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Mahmood Al-Nuaimy MN, Azizi N, Nural Y, Yabalak E. Recent advances in environmental and agricultural applications of hydrochars: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:117923. [PMID: 38104920 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Hydrochar is a carbonaceous material that is generated through the process of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from biomass, which has garnered considerable attention in recent years owing to its potential applications in a diverse range of fields, such as environmental remediation and agriculture. Hydrochar is produced from a diverse range of biomass waste materials and retains exceptional properties, including high carbon content, stability, and surface area, making it an optimal candidate for various enviro-agricultural applications. Moreover, it delves into the production process of hydrochar, with explicit emphasis on the optimization of certain properties during the production of hydrochar from bio-waste. Furthermore, the potential of hydrochar as an adsorbent and catalyst support for heavy metals and dyes was extensively explored, along with a soil remediation potential that can improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough overview of hydrochar with a particular focus on its production, properties, and prospective applications. The significance of hydrochar is accentuated and the growing need for alternative sources of energy and materials that are environmentally sustainable is highlighted in this paper. Besides, the consequence of hydrochar on soil properties such as water-holding capacity, nutrient retention, and total soil porosity, as well as its influence on soil chemical properties such as cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, and surface functionality is scrutinized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nangyallai Azizi
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Yahya Nural
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Erdal Yabalak
- Department of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Processing Technologies, Technical Science Vocational School, Mersin University, 33343, Mersin, Turkey.
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Tatla HK, Ismail S, Khan MA, Dhar BR, Gupta R. Coupling hydrothermal liquefaction and anaerobic digestion for waste biomass valorization: A review in context of circular economy. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142419. [PMID: 38789051 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
In light of the substantial global production of biomass waste, effective waste management and energy recovery solutions are of paramount importance. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and anaerobic digestion (AD) have emerged as innovative techniques for converting biomass waste into valuable resources. Their integration creates a synergistic framework that mitigates inherent limitations, leading to improved efficiency, enhanced product quality, and the comprehensive utilization of biomass. This review paper investigates the integration of HTL and AD, highlighting its significance and potential benefits as well as the optimal sequencing (HTL followed by AD and AD followed by HTL). The review encompasses experimental procedures, factors influencing both sequencing options, energy recovery characterizations, final product outcomes, as well as toxicological assessments and discussions on reduction. Additionally, it delves into the transition towards a circular bioeconomy and discusses the challenges and opportunities intrinsic to these processes. The findings presented in this review offer valuable insights to shape future research in this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harveen Kaur Tatla
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sherif Ismail
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohd Adnan Khan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Rajender Gupta
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Benavente V, Pérez C, Jansson S. Co-hydrothermal carbonization of microalgae and digested sewage sludge: Assessing the impact of mixing ratios on the composition of primary and secondary char. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 174:429-438. [PMID: 38104415 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The role of microalgae cultivation in wastewater treatment and reclamation has been studied extensively, as has the potential utility of the resulting algal biomass. Most methods for processing such biomass generate solid residues that must be properly managed to comply with current sustainable resource utilization requirements. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) can be used to process both individual wet feedstocks and mixed feedstocks (i.e., co-HTC). Here, we investigate co-HTC using microalgae and digested sewage sludge as feedstocks. The objectives were to (i) study the material's partitioning into solid and liquid products, and (ii) characterize the products' physicochemical properties. Co-HTC experiments were conducted at 180-250°C using mixed microalgae/sewage sludge feedstocks with the proportion of sewage sludge ranging from 0 to 100 %. Analyses of the hydrochar composition and the formation and composition of secondary char revealed that the content of carbonized material in the product decreased as the proportion of sewage sludge in the feedstock increased under fixed carbonization conditions. The properties of the hydrochars and the partitioning of material between the liquid phase and the hydrochar correlated linearly with the proportion of microalgae in mixed feedstocks, indicating that adding sewage sludge to microalgae had weak or non-existent synergistic effects on co-HTC outcomes. However, the proportion of sewage sludge in the feedstock did affect the secondary char. For example, adding sewage sludge reduced the abundance of carboxylic acids and ketones as well as the concentrations of higher molecular weight cholesterols. Such changes may alter the viable applications of the hydrochar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Benavente
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; RISE Processum AB, Hörneborgsvägen 10, 89 122 Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
| | - Carla Pérez
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Industrial Doctoral School, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stina Jansson
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
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Al-Swadi HA, Al-Farraj AS, Al-Wabel MI, Ahmad M, Usman ARA, Ahmad J, Mousa MA, Rafique MI. Impacts of kaolinite enrichment on biochar and hydrochar characterization, stability, toxicity, and maize germination and growth. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1259. [PMID: 38218904 PMCID: PMC10787757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51786-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, biochar (BC) and hydrochar (HC) composites were synthesized with natural kaolinite clay and their properties, stability, carbon (C) sequestration potential, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) toxicity, and impacts on maize germination and growth were explored. Conocarpus waste was pretreated with 0%, 10%, and 20% kaolinite and pyrolyzed to produce BCs (BC, BCK10, and BCK20, respectively), while hydrothermalized to produce HCs (HC, HCK10, and HCK20, respectively). The synthesized materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope analyses, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, surface area, proximate analyses, and chemical analysis to investigate the distinction in physiochemical and structural characteristics. The BCs showed higher C contents (85.73-92.50%) as compared to HCs (58.81-61.11%). The BCs demonstrated a higher thermal stability, aromaticity, and C sequestration potential than HCs. Kaolinite enriched-BCs showed the highest cation exchange capacity than pristine BC (34.97% higher in BCK10 and 38.04% higher in BCK20 than pristine BC), while surface area was the highest in kaolinite composited HCs (202.8% higher in HCK10 and 190.2% higher in HCK20 than pristine HC). The recalcitrance index (R50) speculated a higher recalcitrance for BC, BCK10, and BCK20 (R50 > 0.7), minimal degradability for HCK10 and HCK20 (0.5 < R50 < 0.7), and higher degradability for biomass and HC (R50 < 0.5). Overall, increasing the kaolinite enrichment percentage significantly enhanced the thermal stability and C sequestration potential of charred materials, which may be attributed to changes in the structural arrangements. The ∑ total PAHs concentration in the synthesized materials were below the USEPA's suggested limits, indicating their safe use as soil amendments. Germination indices reflected positive impacts of synthesized charred materials on maize germination and growth. Therefore, we propose that kaolinite-composited BCs and HCs could be considered as efficient and cost-effective soil amendments for improving plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed A Al-Swadi
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah S Al-Farraj
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad I Al-Wabel
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Munir Ahmad
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel R A Usman
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jahangir Ahmad
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Awad Mousa
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Imran Rafique
- Soil Sciences Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, 11451, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Ischia G, Goldfarb JL, Miotello A, Fiori L. Green solvents to enhance hydrochar quality and clarify effects of secondary char. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 388:129724. [PMID: 37683708 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Several limitations hinder the industrial-scale implementation of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of biomass, especially the quality of as-carbonized hydrochar. This work investigates solvent extraction of hydrochars to enhance their potential applications. Hydrochars were produced at several HTC temperatures (190, 220, 250 °C) from cellulose and extracted using combinations of green polar solvents (ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol). Results show that the composition of the extractable fraction resembles that of the HTC liquor, rich in carboxylic acids and furan derivatives, while the non-extractable solid phase shows improved thermal profiles devoid of highly volatile compounds. Carbon microspheres (non-dissolvable secondary char) are unaffected by extraction. The organics adsorbed on the hydrochar surface comprise highly volatile species and solvent washing effectively removes them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ischia
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy; Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jillian L Goldfarb
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Antonio Miotello
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 14, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Luca Fiori
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy; Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, San Michele all'Adige, 38010 Trento, Italy.
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Kalderis D, Görmez Ö, Saçlı B, Çalhan SD, Gözmen B. Valorization of loquat seeds by hydrothermal carbonization for the production of hydrochars and aqueous phases as added-value products. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118612. [PMID: 37480637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
In the framework of circular bio-economy, waste loquat seeds were utilized for the production of two added-value products. The seeds were hydrothermally carbonized at a temperature range of 150-250 °C and time range 2-6 h and the resultant hydrochars and aqueous phases were characterized using various methods. The optimum higher heating value of 30.64 MJ kg-1, ash content of 1.99 wt % and alkali index of 0.05 were achieved for the hydrochar prepared at 250 °C and 6 h, establishing its suitability for energy-related applications. The aqueous phase obtained at 250 °C and 6 h achieved 90% scavenging of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical and had a IC50 value of 43.71 μg mL-1. Principal component analysis showed that the production of phenols, ketones, alkenes and organic acids was favored at >200 °C, whereas furans and aldehydes were primarily formed at 150 °C. Conclusively, both added-value products were obtained at the same optimum hydrothermal carbonization conditions of 250 °C and 6 h treatment time. In a bio-refinery context, this has the practical implication that both bio-products be obtained simultaneously, without the need to switch between different temperatures and residence times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Kalderis
- Department of Electronics Engineering, Laboratory of Environmental Technologies and Applications (LETA), Hellenic Mediterranean University, Chania, Crete, 73100, Greece.
| | - Özkan Görmez
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Barış Saçlı
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Selda Doğan Çalhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Belgin Gözmen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
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Lang Q, Guo X, Zou G, Wang C, Li Y, Xu J, Zhao X, Li J, Liu B, Sun Q. Hydrochar reduces oxytetracycline in soil and Chinese cabbage by altering soil properties, shifting microbial community structure and promoting microbial metabolism. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139578. [PMID: 37478999 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The efficient remediation of antibiotic-contaminated soil is critical for agroecosystem and human health. Using the cost-effective and feedstock-independent hydrochar with rich oxygen-containing functional groups as a soil remediation material has become a hot concern nowadays. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of hydrochar amendment in antibiotic-contaminated soil still remain unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the remediation effect and potential mechanisms of different hydrochars from cow manure (H-CM), corn stalk (H-CS) and Myriophyllum aquaticum (H-MA) at two levels (0.5% and 1.0%) in oxytetracycline (OTC)-contaminated soil using a pot experiment. Results showed that compared with CK, OTC content in the soils amended with H-CM and H-MA was decreased by 14.02-15.43% and 9.23-24.98%, respectively, whereas it was increased by 37.03-42.64% in the soils amended with H-CS. Additionally, all hydrochar amendments effectively reduced the OTC uptake in root and shoot of Chinese cabbage by 10.41-57.99% and 31.92-65.99%, respectively. The response of soil microbial community to hydrochar amendment heavily depended on feedstock type rather than hydrochar level. The soil microbial metabolism (e.g., carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism) was enhanced by hydrochar amendment. The redundancy analysis suggested that TCA cycle was positively related to the abundances of OTC-degrading bacteria (Proteobacteria, Arthrobacter and Sphingomonas) in all hydrochar-amended soils. The hydrochar amendment accelerated the soil OTC removal and reduced plant uptake in soil-Chinese cabbage system by altering soil properties, enhancing OTC-degrading bacteria and promoting microbial metabolism. These findings demonstrated that the cost-effective and sustainable hydrochar was a promising remediation material for antibiotic-contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Lang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Xuan Guo
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Guoyuan Zou
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Yufei Li
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Junxiang Xu
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Jijin Li
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Bensheng Liu
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - Qinping Sun
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China.
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Wu J, Hua Y, Feng Y, Xie W. Nitrated hydrochar reduce the Cd accumulation in rice and shift the microbial community in Cd contaminated soil. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 342:118135. [PMID: 37216875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Rice grown on Cd-contaminated soil may accumulate Cd in grain, which is extremely harmful to human health. Several managements are developed to reduce the Cd load in rice, while in-situ immobilization by soil amendments has been attractive for its feasibility. Waste-derived hydrochar (HC) has been shown effective at immobilizing Cd in soil. However, potential plant negative effects and huge application amount are crucial to resolving in extensive application of HC. Nitric acid ageing may be an effective method to deal with these problems. In this paper, HC and nitrated hydrochar (NHC) were added to the Cd-contaminated soil at rates of 1% and 2% in a rice-soil column experiment. Results showed that NHC markedly promoted root biomass of rice by 58.70-72.78%, whereas HC had effects of 35.86-47.57%. Notably, NHC at 1% reduced the accumulation of Cd in rice grain, root and straw by 28.04%, 15.08% and 11.07%, respectively. A consistent decrease of 36.30% in soil EXC-Cd concentration was caused by NHC-1%. Following soil microbial community was shifted greatly under HC and NHC applications. The relative abundance of Acidobacteria was decreased by 62.57% in NHC-2% and by 56.89% in HC-1%. Nevertheless, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were promoted by NHC addition. In contrast to HC, co-occurrence network of dominated bacteria was more complex and centralized generated by NHC. Key bacteria in that metabolic network of NHC such as Anaerolineae and Archangiaceae played key roles in Cd immobilization. These observations verified that NHC was more efficient to decrease Cd accumulation in rice and could alleviate the negative roles to plant by microbial changings in community composition and network. It could provide an enrichment of paddy soil microbial responds to the interaction of NHC with Cd and lay a foundation for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil by NHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, School of Energy & Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, 243002, China
| | - Yun Hua
- Key Laboratory for Crop & Animal Integrated Farming of Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Agricultural Resources & Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - YanFang Feng
- Key Laboratory for Crop & Animal Integrated Farming of Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Institute of Agricultural Resources & Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - WenPing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Soil & Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Phang FJF, Soh M, Khaerudini DS, Timuda GE, Chew JJ, How BS, Loh SK, Yusup S, Sunarso J. Catalytic wet torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass: An overview with emphasis on fuel application. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sajce.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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10
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Al-Naqeb G, Sidarovich V, Scrinzi D, Mazzeo I, Robbiati S, Pancher M, Fiori L, Adami V. Hydrochar and hydrochar co-compost from OFMSW digestate for soil application: 3. Toxicological evaluation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 320:115910. [PMID: 35947910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Modern societies produce ever-increasing amounts of waste, e.g. organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). According to the best available techniques, OFMSW should be treated through anaerobic digestion to recover biogas and subsequently composted. An innovative scheme is under investigation, where anaerobic digestion is combined with hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and composting. The final product, referred to as hydrochar co-compost (HCO), is under study to be used as an unconventional soil improver/fertilizer. Recent studies showed that HCO is not phytotoxic. However, nothing is known about the toxicity of HCO on cells as part and organisms as a whole. This study aims to investigate in vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the HCO and its precursors in the production process. In particular, we tested water and methanolic extracts of HCO (WEHCO and MEHCO) from one side and methanolic extracts of hydrochar (MEH) and OFMSW digestate (MED) as well as liquor produced downstream HTC (HTCL) from the other side. Genotoxicity was investigated using cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in Chinese Hamster Ovarian K1 (CHO-K1) cells. Cytotoxicity was tested in vitro against a panel of human cells line. Zebrafish embryo toxicity upon MEH treatment was also investigated. Results show that incubation of CHO-K1 cells with all the tested samples at different concentrations did not cause any induction of micronucleus formation compared to the vehicle-treated control. Treatment of cells with MEH, MED, HTCL and MEHCO, but not WEHCO, induced some degree of cytotoxicity and MEH showed to be more cytotoxic against tested cells compared to the MEHCO. Toxicity effect at the highest tested concentrations of MEH on zebrafish embryos resulted in coagulation, induction of pericardial edema and death. In conclusion, the hydrochar co-compost cytotoxicity is similar to standard compost cytotoxicity. Hence composting the hydrochar from OFMSW digestate is a good step to eliminate the cytotoxicity of hydrochar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghanya Al-Naqeb
- Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, Trento, Italy; Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Sana'a, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Viktoryia Sidarovich
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Donato Scrinzi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mazzeo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Sergio Robbiati
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michael Pancher
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luca Fiori
- Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, Trento, Italy; Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Adami
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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