Bioenergia - UB
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Browsing Bioenergia - UB by Author "Abreu, Mariana"
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- Admissibility Grid to Support the Decision for the Preferential Routing of Portuguese Endogenous Waste Biomass for the Production of Biogas, Advanced Biofuels, Electricity and HeatPublication . Crujeira, Teresa; Trancoso, Maria Ascensão; Eusebio, Ana; Oliveira, Ana Cristina; Passarinho, Paula; Abreu, Mariana; Marques, Isabel Paula; Marques, Paula; Marques, Susana; Albergaria, Helena; Pinto, Filomena; Costa, Paula; Andre, Rui N.; Girio, Francisco; Moura, PatríciaABSTRACT: A methodology was developed to assess the allocation of different types of endogenous waste biomass to eight technologies for producing electricity, heat, biogas and advanced biofuels. It was based on the identification of key physicochemical parameters for each conversion process and the definition of limit values for each parameter, applied to two different matrices of waste biomass. This enabled the creation of one Admissibility Grid with target values per type of waste biomass and conversion technology, applicable to a decision process in the routing to energy production. The construction of the grid was based on the evaluation of 24 types of waste biomass, corresponding to 48 sets of samples tested, for which a detailed physicochemical characterization and an admissibility assessment were made. The samples were collected from Municipal Solid Waste treatment facilities, sewage sludges, agro-industrial companies, poultry farms, and pulp and paper industries. The conversion technologies and energy products considered were (trans)esterification to fatty acid methyl esters, anaerobic digestion to methane, fermentation to bioethanol, dark fermentation to biohydrogen, combustion to electricity and heat, gasification to syngas, and pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction to bio-oils. The validation of the Admissibility Grid was based on the determination of conversion rates and product yields over 23 case studies that were selected according to the best combinations of waste biomass type versus technological solution and energy product.
- Analytical protocol for the characterization of solid organic fractions: contribution for the biochemical and thermochemical potential assessment of biomass [Poster]Publication . Trancoso, Maria Ascensão; Crujeira, Teresa; Sousa, R.; Calisto, Sandra C.; Branco, J.; Oliveira, Ana Cristina; Passarinho, Paula; Abreu, Mariana; Moura, Patrícia; Gírio, FranciscoABSTRACT: In the scope of the CONVERTE project an optimised and uniformed methodology was developed in order to better evaluate the use of endogenous biomasses for energy production by biochemical or thermochemical processes. A protocol for preparation and characterization was designed and validated by the use of biomass certified reference materials and quality control actions. Extensive analytical work was performed and the results were summarized in accordance with their relevance for either biochemical or thermochemical processes.
- Evaluation of the potential of biomass to energy in Portugal : conclusions from the CONVERTE projectPublication . Abreu, Mariana; Reis, Alberto; Moura, Patrícia; Fernando, Ana Luisa; Luís, Gabriel; Quental, Lídia; Patinha, Pedro; Gírio, FranciscoABSTRACT: The main objective of the Portuguese project "CONVERTE-Biomass Potential for Energy" is to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, identifying biomass typologies in mainland Portugal, namely agri-forest waste, energy crops and microalgae. Therefore, the aim was to design and construct a georeferenced (mapping) database for mainland Portugal, to identify land availability for the implementation of energy crops and microalgae cultures, and to locate agricultural and forestry production areas (including their residues) with potential for sustainable exploitation for energy. The ArcGIS software was used as a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool, introducing the data corresponding to the type of soil, water needs and edaphoclimatic conditions in shapefile and raster data type, to assess the areas for the implantation of the biomass of interest. After analysing the data of interest in each map in ArcGIS, the intersection of all maps is presented, suggesting adequate areas and predicting biomass productions for the implementation of each culture in mainland Portugal. Under the conditions of the study, cardoon (72 kha, 1085 kt), paulownia (81 kha, 26 kt) and microalgae (29 kha, 1616 kt) presented the greater viability to be exploited as biomass to energy in degraded and marginal soils.
- GIS-Based Model to Identify Marginal Soils for Bioenergy ProductionPublication . Abreu, Mariana; Reis, Alberto; Fernando, Ana Luisa; Quental, Lídia; Patinha, Pedro; Gírio, FranciscoABSTRACT: Energy crops are industrial species (woody, perennial, and annual species, among others) that can generate biofuels, energy, and bioproducts. Due to their tolerance, there is an interest to grow energy crops in marginal/contaminated/degraded soils, avoiding Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) burdens. Therefore, this study aims at the development and use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to spatially relate land-use selection and optimal species allocation, as an useful decision support systems (DSS), modelled to determine adequate marginal areas, inadequate for food and feed crops. ArcGIS software was used as a GIS tool, and parameters associated with areas considered to be marginal in mainland Portugal were identified. To identify marginal soils, it is necessary to know what type of criteria applies. It was considered the Regulation EU(1305)2013-Annex III, which details all the criteria and the respective parameters, that marginal soil should present being these, the base of this work. Considering all these criteria, a search in several databases was realized to collect the data that exist and how all these could be utilized to determine marginal soils in mainland Portugal. The maps obtained show that marginal soils in Portugal represent less than 10% of the territory.
- GIS-Based Model to Identify Marginal Soils for Bioenergy Production [Poster]Publication . Abreu, Mariana; Reis, Alberto; Fernando, Ana Luisa; Quental, Lídia; Patinha, Pedro; Gírio, Francisco
- Low indirect land use change (ILUC) energy crops to bioenergy and biofuels: a reviewPublication . Abreu, Mariana; Silva, Luís; Ribeiro, Belina; Ferreira, Alice; Alves, Luís; Paixão, Susana M.; Gouveia, Luisa; Moura, Patrícia; Carvalheiro, Florbela; Duarte, Luís C.; Fernando, Ana Luisa; Reis, Alberto; Gírio, FranciscoABSTRACT: Energy crops are dedicated cultures directed for biofuels, electricity, and heat production. Due to their tolerance to contaminated lands, they can alleviate and remediate land pollution by the disposal of toxic elements and polymetallic agents. Moreover, these crops are suitable to be exploited in marginal soils (e.g., saline), and, therefore, the risk of land-use conflicts due to competition for food, feed, and fuel is reduced, contributing positively to economic growth, and bringing additional revenue to landowners. Therefore, further study and investment in R&D is required to link energy crops to the implementation of biorefineries. The main objective of this study is to present a review of the potential of selected energy crops for bioenergy and biofuels production, when cultivated in marginal/degraded/contaminated (MDC) soils (not competing with agriculture), contributing to avoiding Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) burdens. The selected energy crops are Cynara cardunculus, Arundo donax, Cannabis sativa, Helianthus tuberosus, Linum usitatissimum, Miscanthus × giganteus, Sorghum bicolor, Panicum virgatum, Acacia dealbata, Pinus pinaster, Paulownia tomentosa, Populus alba, Populus nigra, Salix viminalis, and microalgae cultures. This article is useful for researchers or entrepreneurs who want to know what kind of crops can produce which biofuels in MDC soils
- Marginal soils for bioenergy production : How to identify these soils in Portugal?Publication . Abreu, Mariana; Reis, Alberto; Fernando, Ana LuisaABSTRACT: n the bioenergy/biorefineries sector, energy crops have achieved a relevant position as a feedstock for bio-based products, biofuels and bioenergy. To produce the energy crops, soils with low Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) risk must be utilized, such as marginal/degraded/contaminated (MDC) soils. Locating these types of soils in any territory, region, or country is challenging. Several criteria, e.g. soil drainage, dryness, temperature, have been identified by the European Union, and allow to classify soils as marginal. Yet, the dispersed information makes the identification and selection of marginal soils a challenging process. Therefore, this study details the tools and baseline documents that can be used to identify marginal areas, presenting low ILUC risk for the cultivation of energy crops. The application of the methodology to Continental Portugal allowed to obtain a preliminary map that indicates available soils for the cultivation of energy crops.
- Microalgae biomass production for biofuels in brazilian scenario : a critical reviewPublication . Santos, Marcela Granato Barbosa dos; Duarte, Renata Lopes; Martins Maciel, Alyne; Abreu, Mariana; Reis, Alberto; Mendonca, Henrique Vieira deABSTRACT: The Brazilian environmental, economic, and social conditions for the long-term establishment of mass culture of microalgae for either biofuel production or greenhouse gases (GHG) abatement are described in detail. A brief historical introduction of the microalgal biotechnology is presented followed by a compilation of Brazilian published research works on microalgae, with special emphasis on microalgal Brazilian biodiversity and applied phycology. Several case studies on Brazilian microalgal biorefineries are presented with special emphasis on wastewater (WW) treatment. The manuscript also adds valuable new information about which regions of the country offer better growing conditions for dozens of endemic species. Favorable climatic and environmental conditions for the cultivation of several microalgae (green) and cyanobacteria species in specific regions of the country are suggested. Finally, based on realistic biomass productivities and product yields for the Brazilian context, several scenarios for biofuel production and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) abatement have been designed, and results are presented and critically discussed. Brazilian self-sufficiency on either fuels for transportation or GHG abatement using exclusively microalgae is quite challenging but achievable accordingly with the present state of the art.
- Microalgae in a global world: New solutions for old problems?Publication . Vieira De Mendonça, Henrique; Assemany, Paula; Abreu, Mariana; De Aguiar Do Couto, Eduardo; Martins Maciel, Alyne; Duarte, Renata Lopes; Santos, Marcela Granato Barbosa dosABSTRACT: The human population blast has brought several problems related with the overconsumption of a wide range of feedstocks and natural resources conducting to their risk of depletion. The consumption of fossil fuels is an example, with increasing levels of exploitation and negative impacts caused by their use. Anthropogenic activities have triggered the over accumulation of many hazardous substances and wastes which are regarded to be detrimental to life in the Earth and to the various planet ecosystems. There is an urgent need to restore natural resources and unwanted residues and wastes to levels prior the demographic explosion. Microalgal biotechnology appears to be pivotal to achieve this goal in a near future to come. This review presents the current resource problems affecting the Earth and how microalgae are expected to be an important part of the solution, discussing how the production of renewable energy from microalgae can help in an integrated way to mitigate different environmental problems. Microalgae are able to convert wastewaters, CO2 and organic residues in marketable biomass for different uses, including biofuels, converting waste in value. An inventory of current microalgal-based biorefineries in operation as well as a directory of companies, products and applications are also presented.
- The CONVERTE project: biomass potential for energyPublication . Abreu, Mariana; Moura, Patrícia; Reis, Alberto; Eusebio, Ana; Oliveira, Ana Cristina; Pinto, Filomena; Alexandre, Jorge; Silva, Luís; Trancoso, Maria Ascensão; Gírio, FranciscoABSTRACT: Climate change caused by the excessive use of non-renewable resources as a means of supporting the current society demands is forcing the development of circular economy models and social, economic and environmental balanced solutions. In Portugal, in recent decades, important progresses have been made on waste resources management practices in line with the objectives and directives of the European Union. The urban and industrial wastes are, to a certain extent, a case of success since the effort developed has created tools for the prevention, control, recovery and recycling of a considerable percentage of the generated amounts. However, this effort has not yet reached its full potential, and there are still diverse underexplored issues, such as a systematic assessment of the waste biomass suitability for specific energy conversion technologies, and the promotion of non-food-competing energy crops on marginal lands. CONVERTE will identify and quantify the different waste biomass types generated in the Portuguese continental territory, and shall develop a biomass-driven energy matrix that correlates the biomass types with eight technological value chains for heat, power and/or advanced biofuels as main products. This is expected to impact positively on the national energy security and to reduce the overall Portuguese greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, namely in the transport sector, contributing to increase the country sustainability score.