Size structure of biomass and primary production of phytoplankton：environmental impact analysis in the Dongsha natural gas hydrate zone, northern South China Sea

The size-fractionated biomass and primary production of phytoplankton, and the influence of environmental factors on it were studied in the Dongsha natural gas hydrate zone of the northern South China Sea in May 2013.Low nutrient, low chlorophyll a（Chl a） and primary productivity characteristics were found in these waters. The phenomena of subsurface Chl a maximum layers（SCMLs） and primary production maximum layers（SPMLs）were observed in the Dongsha waters. There were significant differences in the size-fractionated biomass and primary production that showed picophytoplankton〉nanophytoplankton〉microphytoplankton in terms of biomass and degree of contribution to production. Vertical biomass distribution indicated there were considerable differences among different phytoplankton within the euphotic zone（Zeu） in spring. For example,microphytoplankton was distributed evenly in the euphotic layer and nanophytoplankton was mainly distributed in the subsurface or in the middle of the euphotic layer, while picophytoplankton was mainly distributed in the middle or bottom of the euphotic layer. Smaller cell size and larger relative surface area allow picophytoplankton to benefit from nutrient competition and to hold a dominant position in the tropical oligotrophic waters of low latitudes. There was a positive correlation between size-fractionated biomass and temperature with pH and a negative correlation between size-fractionated biomass and silicate with phosphate. There was a positive correlation between size-fractionated primary production and temperature and a negative correlation between size-fractionated biomass and salinity with phosphate. Phosphate was an important factor influencing the size structure of phytoplankton. Meanwhile, irradiation and the euphotic layer were more important in regulating the vertical distribution of size-fractionated phytoplankton in the Dongsha natural gas hydrate zone.

Effects of Biochar Application on Soil Properties, Plant Biomass Production, and Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Mini-Review

Biochar has been applied extensively as a soil amendment over the past decades. This review summarizes the general findings of the impacts of biochar application on different aspects from soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties, to soil nutrient availabilities, plant growth, biomass production and yield, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, and soil carbon sequestration. Due to different biochar pyrolysis conditions, feedstock types, biochar application rates and methods, and potential interactions with other factors such as plant species and soil nutrient conditions, results from those studies are not inclusive. However, most studies reported positive effects of biochar application on soil physical and chemical properties, soil microbial activities, plant biomass and yield, and potential reductions of soil GHG emissions. A framework of biochar impacts is summarized, and possible mechanisms are discussed. Further research of biochar application in agriculture is called to verify the proposed mechanisms involved in biochar-soil-microbial-plant interactions for soil carbon sequestration and crop biomass and yield improvements.

Thermodynamic Analysis and Synthesis Gas Generation by Chemical-Looping Gasification of Biomass with Nature Hematite as Oxygen Carriers

Thermodynamic parameters of chemical reactions in the system were carried out through thermodynamic analysis. According to the Gibbs free energy minimization principle of the system, equilibrium composition of the reactions of chemical-looping gasification (CLG) of biomass with natural hematite (Fe2O3) as oxygen carrier were analyzed using commercial software of HSC Chemistry 5.1. The feasibility of the CLG of biomass with hematite was experimental verified in a lab-scale bubbling fluidized bed reactor using argon as fluidizing gas. It was indicated the experimental results were consistent with the theoretical analysis. The presence of oxygen carrier gave a significant effect on the biomass conversion and improved the synthesis gas yield obviously. It was observed that the gas content of CO and H2 was over 70% in CLG of biomass. The reduced hematite particles mainly existed in form of FeO. It was showed that the reduction of natural hematite with biomass proceeds in a stepwise manner from Fe2O3 →Fe3O4→ FeO. Reduction product of natural hematite can be restored the lattice oxygen by oxidation with air.

A biomass gasification system for synthesis gas from the new method

This paper describes a single fluidized bed by the two-step gasification of the working method, process and biomass and coal co-gasification by a certain proportion of the results of a typical run. The results show that the biomass gasifi-cation technology for raw materials has a wide adaptability, the tar content in the gas is less than 10mg/m3,component in it ,the H2+CO>70%, H2/C ≈1~2,especially suitable for biomass from hydrogen, synthetic alcohol fuel, is a promising approach.

Insight into the selective separation of CO_(2)from biomass pyrolysis gas over metal-incorporated nitrogen-doped carbon materials:a first-principles study

The composition of biomass pyrolysis gas is complex,and the selective separation of its components is crucial for its further utilization.Metal-incorporated nitrogen-doped materials exhibit enormous potential,whereas the relevant adsorption mechanism is still unclear.Herein,16 metal-incorporated nitrogen-doped carbon materials were designed based on the density functional theory calculation,and the adsorption mechanism of pyrolysis gas components H2,CO,CO_(2),CH_(4),and C2H6 was explored.The results indicate that metal-incorporated nitrogen-doped carbon materials generally have better adsorption effects on CO and CO_(2)than on H_(2),CH_(4),and C_(2)H_(6).Transition metal Mo-and alkaline earth metal Mg-and Ca-incorporated nitrogen-doped carbon materials show the potential to separate CO and CO_(2).The mixed adsorption results of CO_(2)and CO further indicate that when the CO_(2)ratio is significantly higher than that of CO,the saturated adsorption of CO_(2)will precede that of CO.Overall,the three metal-incorporated nitrogen-doped carbon materials can selectively separate CO_(2),and the alkaline earth metal Mg-incorporated nitrogen-doped carbon material has the best performance.This study provides theoretical guidance for the design of carbon capture materials and lays the foundation for the efficient utilization of biomass pyrolysis gas.

Purification of Produced Water from a Sour Oilfield in South Kuwait. 2. Oil-Water Separation and Crystallization of Calcium Carbonate

Oil-water separation for produced water (PW) originating from an oil extraction site in South Kuwait was carried out using bleached, esterified cellulosic material from used coffee grounds. Thereafter, earth-alkaline metal ions, specifically calcium ions, of the de-oiled PW were removed by precipitation with sodium carbonate to give access to pure sodium chloride as industrial salt from the remaining PW. While the purity of the precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) depends on the precipitation conditions, CaCO3 of up to 95.48% purity can be obtained, which makes it a salable product. The precipitation of CaCO3 decreases the amount of calcium ions in PW from 11,300 ppm to 84 ppm.

Low temperature microwave-assisted vs conventional pyrolysis of various biomass feedstocks

A comparison between conventional pyrolysis and a novel developed low-temperature microwave-assisted pyrolysis methodology has been performed for the valorisation of a range of biomass feedstocks including waste residues. Microwave pyrolysis was found to efficiently deliver comparable evolution of bio-gases in the system as compared with conventional pyrolysis at significantly reduced temperatures （120-180 ℃vs 250-400 ℃）. The gas obtained from microwave-assisted pyrolysis was found to contain CO2, CH4 and CO as major components as well

Influence of Catalyst and Temperature on Gasification Performance by Externally Heated Gasifier

In the present study the catalytic steam gasification of biomass to produce hydrogen-rich gas with calcined dolomite and Nano-NiO/γ-Al2O3 as catalyst in an externally heated fixed bed reactor was investigated. The influence of the catalyst and reactor temperature on yield and product composition was studied at the temperature range of 700oC - 900oC. Over the ranges of experimental conditions examined, calcined dolomite revealed better catalytic performance, at the presence of steam, tar was completely decomposed as temperature increases from 800oC to 900oC. Higher temperature resulted in more H2 and CO2 production, and dry gas yield. The highest H2 content of 51.02 mol%, and the highest H2 yield of 1.66 m3/kg biomass were observed at the highest temperature level of 900oC.

Research on Modeling and Control of a 100 kW Micro Bio-Gas Turbine

In order to know about the influences of disturbance on the operating performance, the present work developed the overall dynamic simulation model of the micro gas turbine and investigated the control system under the disturbances of environmental temperature and unit load. The response processes of main parameters have been obtained. It found that the compressor pressure ratio and the fuel flow rate increase in the case of natural gas being replaced by pine gas. When the system reaches a new steady state, the main parameters change to different values. The output power decreases with the declining of the air mass flow when the ambient temperature rises, the biomass gas mass flow rate increases under the regulation of the control system to maintain the output power and rotating speed in which the thermal efficiency reduces by 1.40%. The thermal efficiency enhances with the increase of output load. The control system can quickly and effectively act to maintain the key parameters at desired value.

Estimation of Above Ground Biomass in Forests Using Alos Palsar Data in Kericho and Aberdare Ranges

Above Ground Biomass is one of the six pools identified in the inventory of forest resources and estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and sinks from the forestry sector. The pool varies by management practices in different agro-ecological or agro-climatic zones in forests. The quantification of above ground biomass (AGB) hence carbon sequestration in forests has been very difficult due to the immense costs required. This research was done to estimate AGB using ALOS PALSAR L band data (HH, HV polarisation) acquired in 2009 in relation with ground measurements data in Kericho and Aberdares ranges in Kenya. Tree data information was obtained from ground measurement of DBH and tree heights in 100 circular plots of 15 m radius, by use of random sampling technique. ALOS PALSAR image is advantageous for its active microwave sensor using L-band frequency to achieve cloud free imageries, and the ability of long wavelength cross-polarization to estimate AGB accurately for tropical forests. The variations result between Natural and plantation forest for measured and estimated biomass in Kericho HV band regression value was 0.880 and HH band was 0.520. In Aberdare ranges HV regression value of 0.708 and HH band regression value of 0.511 for measured and estimated biomass respectively. The variations can be explained by the influence of different management regimes induced human disturbances, forest stand age, density, species composition, and trees diameter distribution. However, further research is required to investigate how strong these factors affect relationship between AGB and Alos Palsar backscatters.

Influence of Particle Size and Temperature on Gasification Performance in Externally Heated Gasifier

In the present study the catalytic steam gasification of biomass to produce hydrogen-rich gas with calcined dolomite as catalyst in an externally heated fixed bed reactor was investigated. The influence of the reactor temperature on yield and product composition was studied at the temperature range of 700 PoPC-900 PoPC. Over the ranges of experimental con-ditions examined, tar was completely decomposed as temperature increases from 800P oPC to 900 PoPC. Higher temperature resulted in more HR2R and COR2R production, and dry gas yield. The highest H2 content of 51.02 V%, and the highest HR2 Ryield of 1.66 mP3P/kg biomass were observed at the highest temperature level of 900P oPC.

The interplay between leaf water potential and osmotic adjustment on photosynthetic and growth parameters of tropical dry forest trees

Mimosa tenuiflora and Piptadenia stipulacea are commonly accepted as drought-tolerant species but little is known about their response to drought followed by rehydration.Therefore,the interplay between leaf water potential and osmotic adjustment on photo synthetic and growth parameters of these species was examined.A greenhouse study was conducted in a split-plot design with two water conditions in the main plots(control;drought followed by rehydration),and eight sampling times in the subplots(1,4and 7 days of drought,and 1,3,6,12,and 17 days of rehydration).Plant water status and biochemical changes were assessed as well as leaf gas exchange and subsequent growth.Under drought stress,both species maintained a low leaf water potential throughout the day by accumulating compatible solutes,thus allowing a rapid and full recovery of water status when rehydrated.Although these plants minimized water loss by closing their stomata,neither showed stomatal limitations to photosynthesis.The inhibition of this process during drought was possibly related to mesophyll limitations as well as to a reversible downregulation of photo systems,along with adjustments of their stoichiometry.Water deficits also triggered morphological adaptations at the whole plant level,leading to reduced growth,mainly of the shoots in M.tenuiflora and the roots in P.stipulacea.

Effect of flue gas recirculation technology on soot and NO formation in the biomass pyrolysis-combustion system

Pyrolysis of biomass followed by combustion of pyrolytic vapors to replace fossil fuels is an economic low-carbon solution.However,the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and N-containing species in biomass pyrolysis vapors result in the soot and NO emissions.The flue gas recirculation(FGR)technology,having the potential to reduce the soot and NO emissions,was introduced to the biomass pyrolysis-combustion system.In addition,it was numerically studied by simulating the biomass pyrolysis vapors based co-flow diffusion flames with CO_(2)addition.Both the experimental and simulated results showed that the FGR had significant suppression effects on the soot formation.When the FGR ratio(i.e.,CO_(2)addition ratio)increased from 0%to 15%,the experimental and simulated soot volume fraction respectively decreased by 32%and 21%,which verified the models used in this study.The decrease in OH concentration caused by the CO_(2)addition was responsible for the decrease in the decomposition rate of A2(A2+OH=A2–+H_(2)O).Hence,more benzo(ghi)fluoranthene(BGHIF)was generated through A1C_(2)H–+A2→BGHIF+H_(2)+H,leading to the increase in inception rate.The decrease in benzo(a)pyrene(BAPYR)concentration was the major factor in the decrease in soot condensation rate.Moreover,the decrease in the C_(2)H_(2) and OH concentrations was responsible for the decrease in the HACA surface growth rate.Furthermore,the simulated results showed that the NO concentration decreased by 0.4%when the content of CO_(2)was increased by 1 vol.%.The decrease in OH concentration suppressed the NO formation via decreasing reaction rates of N+OH=NO+H and HNO+OH=NO+H_(2)O and enhanced the NO consumption via increasing reaction rate of HO_(2)+NO=NO_(2)+OH.

Biochar-based bioenergy and its environmental impact in Northwestern Ontario Canada: A review

Biochar is normally produced as a by-product of bioenergy. However, if biochar is produced as a co-product with bioenergy from sustainably managed forests and used for soil amendment, it could pro- vide a carbon neutral or even carbon negative solution for current envi- ronmental degradation problems. In this paper, we present a comprehen- sive review of biochar production as a co-product of bioenergy and its implications. We focus on biochar production with reference to biomass availability and sustainability and on bioehar utilization for its soil amendment and greenhouse gas emissions reduction properties. Past studies confirm that northwestern Ontario has a sustainable and sufficient supply of biomass feedstock that can be used to produce bioenergy, with biochar as a co-product that can replace fossil fuel consumption, increase soil productivity and sequester carbon in the long run. For the next step, we recommend that comprehensive life cycle assessment of bio- char-based bioenergy production, from raw material collection to bioehar application, with an extensive economic assessment is necessary for making this technology commercially viable in northwestern Ontario.

Integration of a thermochemical energy system driven by solar energy and biomass for natural gas and power production

Energy systems with multi-energy product outputs driven by renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly popular.To satisfy the diversification of energy use forms in China,this study proposes a new thermochemical energy system driven by solar energy and biomass for natural gas and power production.In this system,syngas from solar-driven biomass gasification is used to synthesize natural gas,whereas the unreacted syngas is burned directly in a combined cycle for power generation.To adjust the production capacity of the system,a shift reaction was used to change the H_(2)/CO ratio in the syngas.The biomass gasification model was experimentally verified,and the thermodynamic performance of the system was studied numerically.The results showed that the production rate of natural gas,with a heat value of 714.88 k J/mol,was approximately 0.306 m^(3)-SNG/kg-bio,and the primary energy efficiency was 47%.The new system showed a good energy-saving potential of 15.29%.Parametric analysis indicated that an increase in the gasification temperature led to a reduction in the natural gas production and an increase in the power output of the system,with a maximum energy efficiency of 66.72%at gasification temperature of 1050°C.With an increase in the syngas share entering the transfer reactor,the natural gas production rate and energy efficiency of the system were improved with an optimum share of approximately 0.55,thereby facilitating the development and optimization of operation strategies.This study provides a promising way to increase the share of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.

Heat transfer in a tapered fluidized bed of biomass particles with pulsed gas flow

Bed-to-surface heat transfer of pure biomass particles in a pulsed fluidized bed with a tapered bottom section was investigated. Three biomass species — Douglas fir, pine, and switchgrass — were studied under various operating conditions. Their heat transfer coefficients were found to be closely associated with hydrodynamics dominated by gas pulsations. A higher superficial gas velocity generally yielded better gas–solid contact and higher heat transfer rates. A moderately increasing pulsation frequency promoted convective heat transfer of particles but also reduced pulsation intensity, leading to undesired flow behaviours such as channelling and partial defluidization. The study of the pulsation duty cycle revealed that, for cohesive particles, a smaller duty cycle was preferred to generate powerful pulsations to break up inter-particle forces. Moreover, a duty cycle increase allowed higher gas throughput as long as a suitable fluidization was maintained. The addition of finer particles to a coarse fraction increased particle mobility, and subsequently heat transfer, which also explained the higher heat transfer coefficients of switchgrass as it contained more fines compared with fir and pine. Experimental results in the tapered bed were also compared with those of non-tapered geometry where a 10%–20% increase in heat transfer was observed.

Potential Utilization of Sawdust in Energy, Manufacturing and Agricultural Industry;Waste to Wealth

Sawdust which is basically considered as?a timber-industrial waste?that pollutes the environment can become a valuable commodity which is considered in three ways: Manufacturing, Energy and Agricultural utilization. The sawdust is burnt in an updraft gasifier under a limited supply of air to obtain?producer gas which is carbon II oxide and hydrogen as main components. The sawdust and other biomass materials are mixed in certain proportions, then bound together and palletized to a small blocks called briquettes. The material?was also considered to be composted by mixing it with animal digestion or?wood ashes and calcium carbonate to form fertilizers. The sawdust and wood shavings can be used for particle board as well as oil production.

Modeling the impacts of climate variability and hurricane on carbon sequestration in a coastal forested wetland in South Carolina

The impacts of hurricane disturbance and climate variability on carbon dynamics in a coastal forested wetland in South Carolina of USA were simulated using the Forest-DNDC model with a spatially explicit approach. The model was validated using the measured biomass before and after Hurricane Hugo and the biomass inventories in 2006 and 2007, showed that the Forest- DNDC model was applicable for estimating carbon dynamics with hurricane disturbance. The simulated results indicated that Hurricane Hugo in 1989 substantially influenced carbon storage immediately after the disturbance event. The simulated net ecosystem exchange (NEE) for the 58-year period (1950-2007) indicated that the hurricane reduced CO2 sequestration due primarily to the increased decomposition of a large amount of litter and woody debris, including fallen trees (over 80% of pre-hurricane trees), debris and branches, and dead roots. The inter-annual fluctuation of soil CO2 flux showed that the climate variability interfered substantially soil carbon dynamics in the forest. The results showed that there were substantial spatial and temporal differences in CO2 flux (3.2 - 4.8 Mg·C·ha–1) and wood biomass due to the differences in physical and biogeochemical characteristics in the forest.

Relationship among Different Soil Biochemical Methods to Determine Soil Health

Numerous soil biochemical methods are used to determine the soil health status, but the relationships among these methods are not well understood. Relationships among soil biochemical tests, 1) chloroform fumigated microbial biomass C (CFMBC), 2) permanganate oxidizable C (POXC), 3) Solvita CO2-burst (Solvita), 4) Solvita labile amino nitrogen (SLAN), and short-term soil CO2 efflux during laboratory incubation using (v) Alkali-base trap (Alkali) and (vi) infrared gas analyzer (IRGA), were evaluated for nine agricultural soils collected across the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota, USA. Not a single test is comprehensive to relate with all soil biochemical tests. Coefficient of variation percentage for particular method varied with soil type. Among six tests, CFMBC is significantly (p < 0.05) related with Alkali (r = 0.37), Solvita (r = 0.57), SLAN (r = 0.52), and POXC (r = 0.68). Soil CFMBC correlates with most of soil biochemical tests and can be potential to determine soil biochemical condition.

Recent advances in thermochemical conversion of woody biomass for production of green hydrogen and CO_(2)capture:A review

Hydrogen as a clean energy carrier has attracted great interests world-wide for substitution of fossil fuels and for abatement of the climate change concerns.However,green hydrogen from renewable resources is less than 0.1%at present in the world hydrogen production and this is largely from water electrolysis which is beneficial only when renewable electricity is used.Hydrogen production from diverse renewable resources is desirable.This review presents recent advances in hydrogen production from woody biomass through biomass steam gasification,producer gas processing and H_(2)/CO_(2)separation.The producer gas processing includes steam-methane reforming(SMR)and water-gas shift(WGS)reactions to convert CH_(4)and CO in the producer gas to H_(2)and CO_(2).The H_(2)storage discussed using liquid carrier through hydrogenation is also discussed.The CO_(2)capture prior to the SMR is investigated to enhance H_(2)yield in the SMR and the WGS reactions.