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An Integrated Approach to Convert Lignocellulosic and Wool Residues into Balanced Fertilisers

Author

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  • Filippo Marchelli

    (Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, 39100 Bozen-Bolzano, Italy)

  • Giorgio Rovero

    (Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genova, Italy)

  • Massimo Curti

    (Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genova, Italy)

  • Elisabetta Arato

    (Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genova, Italy)

  • Barbara Bosio

    (Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genova, Italy)

  • Cristina Moliner

    (Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genova, Italy)

Abstract

Valorising biomass waste and producing renewable energy or materials is the aim of several conversion technologies. In this work, we consider two residues from different production chains: lignocellulosic residues from agriculture and wool residues from sheep husbandry. These materials are produced in large quantities, and their disposal is often costly and challenging for farmers. For their valorisation, we focus on slow pyrolysis for the former and water hydrolysis for the latter, concisely presenting the main literature related to these two processes. Pyrolysis produces the C-rich biochar, suitable for soil amending. Hydrolysis produces a N-rich fertiliser. We demonstrate how these two processes could be fruitfully integrated, as their products can be flexibly mixed to produce fertilisers. This solution would allow the achievement of balanced and tuneable ratios between C and N and the enhancement of the mechanical properties. We propose scenarios for this combined valorisation and for its coupling with other industries. As a result, biomass waste would be returned to the field, following the principles of circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Filippo Marchelli & Giorgio Rovero & Massimo Curti & Elisabetta Arato & Barbara Bosio & Cristina Moliner, 2021. "An Integrated Approach to Convert Lignocellulosic and Wool Residues into Balanced Fertilisers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:2:p:497-:d:482589
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Cristina Moliner & Elisabetta Arato & Filippo Marchelli, 2021. "Current Status of Energy Production from Solid Biomass in Southern Italy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-21, April.
    2. Abu Naser Md Ahsanul Haque & Maryam Naebe, 2022. "Waste Wool Powder for Promoting Plant Growth by Moisture Retention," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-8, September.
    3. Attilio Converti, 2021. "Environmental and Energetic Valorization of Renewable Resources," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-5, December.

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