Bioenergy and Value Added Byproducts from Biomass Waste

Introduction to Biomass and Bioenergy

This contributed volume offers comprehensive analysis of biomass and its potential application in the field of bioenergy production. Biomass is a plant or microbial-based product and it can be turned into fuel (biofuel) and its byproducts can be utilized as adsorbent for the removal of several water contaminants such as heavy metals, dye, etc.

Bioenergy is energy produced from renewable, biological sources and bioenergy is used as supply heat and electricity. Bioenergy can be obtained in several forms of biofuels. The liquid biofuels used in motor vehicles and agro-waste, forest wood used in several industrial operations for the production of heat and electricity.

Biofuel Feedstocks and Applications

The feedstock of biofuel production includes grains (corn kernel and soybean), cellulosic materials (plant and crop residue), and microbial fuel cell (bacteria & algae) energy crops. Thus, bioenergy has attracted much attention and occupied a significant status in the world’s energy consumption and the fight against climate change.

Byproducts and Waste Utilization

Biomass is converted into biofuels and a large amount of waste generates in the form of byproducts. The byproducts contain the majority of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous. These byproducts utilize for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater.

Adsorbent materials derived from biomass have several function groups on their surface which have an important role in the adsorption of heavy metal ions from wastewater. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is used for bio-electricity generation and the remaining microbial dead biomass can be utilised for water and wastewater treatment.

Biomass Applications in Bioenergy and Environmental Management

Here, we concluded the biomass application including plant, bacterial, algae and agro-waste in bioenergy production including biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen, methane, and electricity. The byproducts of these biomasses utilize for the removal of water contaminants and safe disposal methods of used byproducts.

The integrated approach of biomass to bioenergy conversion and utilization of byproducts for environmental application can be beneficial for the clean energy production process and zero waste generation.