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Sugarcane bagasse (SCB), an agro-industrial byproduct generated by a sugar mill, holds a substantial carbohydrate content of around 70 wt.%, comprising cellulose and hemicellulose. Saccharification plays a pivotal role in the conversion of SCB into second-generation (2G)-ethanol and valuable compounds, which is significantly aided by thermochemical pretreatments. In this study, SCB underwent diluted sulfuric acid pretreatment (2% H2SO4, 80 rpm, 200 °C, 20 min), resulting in the removal of 77.3% of the xylan. The hemicellulosic hydrolysate was analyzed to identify the sugars and degraded products acting as microbial inhibitors. The acid hydrolysate showed a xylose yield of 68.0% (16.4 g/L) and a yield of 3.8 g/L of acetic acid. Afterward, the hemicellulosic hydrolysate was concentrated 2.37 times to obtain a xylose-rich stream (39.87 g/L). The sequential detoxification, employing calcium oxide and activated carbon, removed the inhibitory compounds, including acetic acid, while preserving the xylose at 38.10 g/L. The enzymatic saccharification of cellulignin at 5% and 10% of the total solids (TSs) yielded comparable reducing sugar (RS) yields of 47.3% (15.2 g/L) and 47.4% (30.4 g/L), respectively, after 96 h, employing a 10 FPU/g enzyme loading of Cellic® CTec3 (Novozymes Inc. Parana, Brazil). In summary, these findings outline an integrated green chemistry approach aimed at addressing the key challenges associated with pretreatment, concentration, detoxification, and enzymatic hydrolysis to produce fermentable sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Forage serves as the primary nutritional resource for livestock; however, the consistent availability of high-quality forage is hindered by seasonal variations in environmental conditions, particularly in semiarid regions. In response to this challenge, silage derived from corn plants without ears (hereafter referred to as earless corn silage or ECS) has emerged as a strategic means for enhancing the income of green corn producers in Brazil. Notably, ECS has transitioned from a byproduct to a marketable feed with prices comparable to those of conventional corn silage. Under this scenario, forages adapted to such arid conditions, such as cactus cladodes (CC), are imperative. However, CC must be associated with feedstuffs possessing elevated fiber content. Coproducts, such as sugarcane bagasse (SB), present a viable solution for ameliorating the low neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content in CC-based diets. While SB is classified as a low-quality roughage, its key advantage lies in its availability during periods of forage scarcity and its cost-effectiveness. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of substituting, even partially, ECS with a combination of CC and SB, offering an excellent alternative for milk producers. By embracing CC as the most readily producible forage in semiarid regions, producers can reduce their reliance on external inputs, leveraging the utilization of this forage alongside ingredients with increased fiber content, such as SB, which is both economically advantageous and accessible. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing earless corn silage (ECS) with cactus cladodes (CC; Opuntia spp.) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) on nutrient intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk yield (MY), and composition of lactating dairy cows. Ten Holstein cows, weighing 571 ± 97.0 kg and producing 23.0 ± 4.4 kg of milk per day, were assigned to two contemporaneous 5 × 5 Latin squares. Treatments consisted of five levels of ECS replacement with CC plus SB (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The results showed a linear increase in dry matter (DM) intake (p < 0.05) (15.98 and 18.73 kg/day) and a quadratic increase (p < 0.05) in crude protein and energy intake (2.97 kg/day and 27.52 Mcal/day at 95.4 and 88.6% substitution, respectively). Apparent DM digestibility increased (p < 0.05), but fiber digestibility decreased linearly (p < 0.05). Treatments had a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on MY and fat-corrected MY (24.17 kg/day and 21.9 kg/day at 63.9% and 38.6% CC plus SB, respectively). Milk fat (3.26 and 2.35%) and total solids content decreased linearly (p < 0.05), whereas the percentages of protein, lactose, and nonfat solids increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CC–SB diets linearly reduced the time spent on feeding and rumination and total chewing time. For Holstein cows fed common semiarid diets, milk production can be maximized by replacing 38.6% of ECS with CC plus SB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aeronautical sector faces challenges in meeting its net-zero ambition by 2050. To achieve this target, much effort has been devoted to exploring sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Accordingly, we evaluated the technical performance of potential SAF production in an integrated first- and second-generation sugarcane biorefinery focusing on Brazil. The CO2 equivalent and the renewability exergy indexes were used to assess environmental performance and impact throughout the supply chain. In addition, exergy efficiency (ηB) and average unitary exergy costs (AUEC) were used as complementary metrics to carry out a multi-criteria approach to determine the overall performance of the biorefinery pathways. The production capacity assumed for this analysis covers 10% of the fuel demand in 2020 at the international Brazilian airports of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, leading to a base capacity of 210 kt jet fuel/y. The process design includes sugarcane bagasse and straw as the feedstock of the biochemical processes, including diverse pre-treatment methods to convert lignocellulosic resources to biojet fuel, and lignin upgrade alternatives (cogeneration, fast pyrolysis, and gasification Fischer-Tropsch). The environmental analysis for all scenarios shows a GHG reduction potential due to a decrease of up to 30% in the CO2 equivalent exergy base emissions compared to fossil-based jet fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is the most traded crop in the world, with Brazil being the world's largest producer. Sugarcane processing generates up to 28% of sugarcane bagasse (SB) from the entire plant, with only 50% of it used for energy generation. SB is a lignocellulosic biomass that can be converted into biogas. However, the optimization of pretreatment process parameters is essential for its successful scaling up. This study evaluated the effect of mild alkaline pretreatment of SB using NaOH and KOH at concentrations of 1–10% and exposure time of 1–12 hours) on the biochemical methane potential (BMP) under mesophilic temperature. The central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied as statistical tool to generate optimal operating pretreatment conditions. The tests were performed in triplicates totalizing 84 batch bottles. The BMP of the untreated SB varied between 297–306 LN CH4 kg VS−1 while the BMP of the pretreated samples with NaOH and KOH were 19% and 20% higher. The optimized conditions were NaOH at 7.7% and KOH at 8.3% KOH for 12 hours. However, the range indicated by the statistical design with CCRD revealed that there was no statistical difference in terms of methane yield when concentrations between 4–10% NaOH and 6–10% KOH during 12 hours were applied, when compared to the specific optimized points. The optimization of the pretreatment parameters demonstrated to be a key-factor to improve the anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic substrates, leading to a less chemically dependent and more sustainable approach, while allowing a more profitable process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial production of ethanol by fermentation using renewable feedstock such as sugarcane stalks has been demonstrated as a sustainable fuel chain in Brazil. This work focused on the production of cellulosic ethanol from sugarcane bagasse in a pilot scale unit by applying the current bioprocessing strategies with the aim of recovering and characterizing the end products. The feedstock was pretreated at 190 °C and a residence time of 10 min. Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed with commercial cellulolytic enzymes. Fermentation's substrates were formulated with hydrolysate and supplemented with 8%wt sugarcane molasses. The fermentations were set up to mimic the conventional industrial fermentation in Brazil's ethanol distilleries at high cell density with cell recycling. The fermentation resulted in a reproducible performance by the yield of 0.49 g/g, productivity of 6.96 g/(L∙h), and cell viability of 95.3%. Ethanol was recovered in a lab-scale distillation batch system. Distilled fractions showed higher content of higher alcohols and sulfur content than the standard specification of ANP (National Agency of Petroleum - Brazilian Agency) for ethanol fuel. The distillation bottom product (vinasse) presented most characteristics suitable for fertilizer or biogas applications, except for sodium and sulfate content. Therefore, for a successful technology, transference processing adjustments should be made to make the product commercially suitable and the side stream compatible for disposal as fertilizer or digestion for biogas production. • Experimental evaluation of production of ethanol from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate. • Production of hydrolysate in a pilot scale reactor and saccharification with commercial hydrolytic enzymes. • Hydrolysate conditioned by clarification process and nutrients supplementation with 8% wt of sugarcane molasses. • Fermentation with an industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae at high cell density and recycling in a fed-batch mode. • Characterization of the recovered ethanol showed a noticeable amount of higher alcohols (propanol and 2-Methyl-1-propanol). • The bottom distillation product presented higher salts content and organic matter than the current ethanol process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonization of the aviation sector relies on deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at commercial scale. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has been recognized as a promising technology to help supply the increasing projected SAF demand. High availability of agro-industrial residues, combined with a well-established biorefinery system, makes the sugarcane industry in Brazil a good option for HTL technology deployment. Moreover, challenges regarding the economic feasibility of SAF from HTL could be partially addressed by the RenovaBio policy, a market-driven incentive mechanism of carbon credits implemented in Brazil. This study investigated both the techno-economic and life cycle assessment of SAF production from sugarcane lignocellulosic residues, considering HTL integrated to a first-generation ethanol distillery and a HTL stand-alone facility. The evaluated scenarios showed great climate mitigation potential, reaching a reduction of up to 73–82% when compared to fossil jet fuel. The minimum fuel selling price of SAF at 15.4 USD/GJ indicated potential of economic competitiveness with fossil jet fuel in the best integrated scenario. The economic benefits obtained from carbon credits are not enough to enable feasibility of HTL in the stand-alone scenarios, even with carbon prices projected at 125 USD/tonne CO2-eq avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides satisfying the energy demands of buildings, distributed generation can contribute toward environmental conservation. However, determining the best configuration and operational strategy for these systems is a complex task due to the available technology options and the dynamic operating conditions of buildings and their surroundings. This work addressed the synthesis and optimization of an energy system for a commercial building (hotel). Electricity, hot water, and cooling demands were established for a hotel located in Northeast Brazil. The optimization problem was based on mixed-integer linear programming and included conventional equipment, solar energy resource (photovoltaic and thermal technologies), and biomass. The objective function of the optimization was to minimize annual economic costs, which involved considering the capital and operation costs. A reference system was established for comparison purposes, where energy demands were met conventionally (without cogeneration or renewable energy), whose annual cost was BRL 80,799. Although the optimal solution did not rely on cogeneration, it benefited from the high degree of energy integration and had a total annual cost of BRL 24,358 (70% lower). The optimal solution suggested the installation of 70 photovoltaic panels and used biomass (sugarcane bagasse) to operate a hot water boiler. Solar collectors for hot water production were not part of the optimal solution. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out, varying the electricity and natural gas tariffs, and the type of biomass employed, but the configuration of the system did not change compared with the optimal economic solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of ultrasound processing parameters on the extraction of antioxidative enzymes and a toxicity assessment of cashew apple bagasse puree were investigated. Ultrasound directly affects the formation of reactive oxygen species such as H2O2, and consequently, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities. S.O.D. activity increased up to 280% after U.S. processing at 75 W/cm2, 1:3 bagasse: water ratio, and 10 min compared to non-processed bagasse. Therefore, the effect of ultrasound in delaying browning could be correlated to the enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and decrease in peroxidase activity. At center point conditions (226 W/cm2, 1:3 bagasse: water ratio; 6 min), a decrease of 20% and 50% on POD and PPO activities was observed, respectively. No significant acute toxicity or protective effect was observed in unprocessed and sonicated cashew apple bagasse. Although cashew bagasse processed at 75 W/cm2 prevented nauplii death after 24 h of exposure, this data cannot assure the protective effect once the number of dead nauplii on 100 μg/mL was similar. However, these data indicate a possible protective effect, especially in higher cashew bagasse concentrations. The results suggest that sonicated cashew apple bagasse puree, a coproduct obtained from a traditional valued fruit in Brazil, may be used as a source of antioxidative enzymes, which further has great importance in therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at investigating the binderless densification of biomass for the production of a durable solid biofuel by mixing cassava rhizome, sugarcane bagasse, and sugarcane straw. Six different treatments were applied with specific percentages of these three biomass feedstocks for the densification in a lab-scale press with heating of 120 °C. Three blend treatments and three 100% material treatments (without mix) were analyzed. Achieved briquettes were examined via various tests including proximate analysis, volumetric expansion, compression test, and energy index to assess the mechanical and energetic properties. Results indicated that the mixtures are suitable for the production of briquettes and treatment B2 was the best blend for briquette production. This study suggested that binderless densification of biomass can be achieved with the mixing of cassava rhizome, sugarcane bagasse, and sugarcane straw, which will support the development of qualified solid biofuels without the cost of binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of lignocellulose residues for green technologies has been growing, but biomass pretreatment is still an economic challenge. In this case study, a cost analysis of subcritical water pretreatment (SCWP) of sugarcane by‐products for ethanol production was conducted. The proposed industrial scheme is attached to a Brazilian sugarcane mill, which generates a surplus of bagasse. Seven scenarios were simulated to address the prospects of the implementation of the process in the mill. The fermentation of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate with Scheffersomyces stipitis upgraded the ethanol yield. The fixed capital investment of the industrial process was approximately US$27 million and 35% of this was associated with the SCWP. The highest ethanol yield was obtained for the process operated with hydrolysate from sugarcane bagasse (6740.5 kg ethanol day−1), which is associated with the high hemicellulose content in the bagasse composition compared with straw. The cost difference revealed that the fixed capital investment and utilities were the largest expenses for process implementation and operation. The simulated process reached 5.45 US$ L−1 as the lowest cost of manufacturing. However, this cost is approximately 10‐fold higher than the market price for ethanol in Brazil. In conclusion, the SCWP of sugarcane straw and bagasse demands significant technical improvement before scaling up to the industrial scale for bioethanol production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of energy by thermoelectric plants powered by biomass in Brazil has grown by ∼3% in the last three years. In 2016, 8.8% of the electric energy in Brazil was generated using biomass as an input. However, the generation of residues and the possibility of reapproaching have motivated the planning and uses of electrochemical processes to evaluate the obtained gases (mainly hydrogen and carbon monoxide) as clean energy sources. Although thermochemical processes using biomass as an energy source already exist, few reports regarding the study of this process through electrolysis are available. Herein, we describe a water electrolysis process using sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and malt bagasse as biomass residues to obtain gases with potential uses as clean energy sources and analyze the mass concentration influences on the behavior of the electrochemical solution. Tafel and cyclic voltammetry analyzes showed a tendency to decrease the kinetics and current of the system with the increase of the biomass residue concentration in the solution. In contrast, sugarcane bagasse concentrations of 0.1%–1% increase the current. The faradaic efficiency and partial current density analysis confirm the results obtained from cyclic voltammetry for hydrogen production, with less faradaic efficiency for hydrogen and reduced current values in the system when the biomass residue concentration is higher. The production efficiency of carbon monoxide formed at the anode increases with the concentration for sugarcane bagasse (2.01–5.21 μA/cm2) with 1% of the biomass in solution. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, wet scrubbers have been used to control particulate matter (PM) emitted by bagasse-fired boilers in the sugarcane industry. This choice was justified by their acceptable performance in meeting environmental standards, the abundance of water resources, and the fact that their operation was simpler and less expensive than other dry cleaning operations. However, the progressive tightening of PM emission limits, as well as the need for more rational water and wastewater management in these applications, has changed this aspect of the industry. Despite the extensive technical literature on wet scrubbers, the lack of up-to-date indicators of their performance in sugarcane industries has prevented the optimization of wet scrubbing processes. This paper clearly shows that the use of wet scrubbers can result in significant water and heat losses, as well as high operating costs for wastewater treatment stations (WTSs). Mass and energy balances were determined for a typical ethanol-sugar plant operating in Brazil, which is the world's largest sugarcane producer. The key boiler and scrubber performance indicators were evaluated experimentally over the course of a crop season and were compared to the legal particulate emission and water quality requirements in Brazil. The boiler processed an average of 114.8 t/h of bagasse containing 46.8% moisture and generated 4.75 t of gas and 28.2 kg of PM for each ton of dry burned bagasse. Of the total PM (ash and soot), 68% was collected as dry material in the grate, heat exchangers, and multicyclone; 25% was collected in the wet scrubber; and 7% was emitted to the atmosphere, in compliance with the Brazilian standards. The operation of the WTS linked to the gas cleaning system was inefficient, using 70% of the water to convey the dry PM retained in the boiler, heat exchangers, and multicyclone and only 30% to operate the wet scrubber. Evaporation caused the loss of 10.5% of the scrubbing water to the atmosphere. The transportation of moist cake (7.9 t/h, 78% wb) for disposal in fields resulted in significant fuel costs and water losses. The operation of the WTS accounted for 62% of the total capital expenditure of the cleaning system, while the wet scrubber accounted for only 38%. This work provides updated performance indicators and alternatives for optimizing a gas cleaning system to promote more rational water and wastewater management and savings for the sugarcane sector. Required collection efficiency for bagasse boilers based on the inlet PM concentration and emission limits imposed in Brazil, China, and most countries [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro‐industrial residue from sugarcane cultivation in Brazil generates more than 200 million tons of bagasse per year, which is rich in plant fibers that can be potentially applied in polymer composites. New processing routes are required to process composites with fiber contents above 50% wt. The objective of this work was to incorporate sugarcane bagasse fibers to polypropylene at high contents (50%–80% wt) in the development of composites via thermokinetic mixture. Composites with 50% and 60% fibers showed a traditional composite morphology, while those with 70% and 80% resembled agglomerated composites. The water absorption varied between 5% and 34%, increasing with fiber content, while the bulk density remained relatively constant, close to 1 g/cm3. The flexural strength and the flexural modulus reached 31 MPa and 2.4 GPa, respectively, tending to decrease with fiber content. In summary, the present work showed the viability of the proposed processing route, with only two starting materials, to produce cheap, relatively lightweight composites with mechanical properties close to and water absorption much lower than wood composites (medium‐density fiberboard and medium‐density particleboard) used in similar applications, such as furniture, construction, and automobile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for cleaner production technologies and sustainable development tools has prompted increasing interest in the use of new, renewable raw materials for biorefineries and energy production. Thus, biodiesel production from the pulp oil (fruit oil) of Acrocomia totai Mart., a species of palm tree, is currently being investigated. However, the bioenergy potential of biomass from different parts of this species is still unknown, and may not be limited to oil from the pulp. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the leaves of A. totai as a secondary source of lipids and energy. Deciduous and fresh leaves were submitted to the Soxhlet and Bligh & Dyer extractions, and the presence of 1.0 to 5.8% of unsaturated fatty acids was observed by GC-FID analyses. The crude extract (CE) of the leaves was obtained by exhaustive extraction with methanol and then partitioned with different solvents. CE and its fractions were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the thermal properties were determined. The average specific heat of the grease fractions was 2.0 J g−1 K−1 and the calorific value of the polar and non-polar fractions varied from 15.7 to 34.1 MJ kg−1. For the whole leaves, the calorific value of the deciduous leaves was higher than that of the fresh leaves due to their lower water content, as determined by thermogravimetric-differential thermal analyses (TG-DTA) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The residual pies from the Soxhlet extractions of the deciduous and fresh leaves were characterized by TGA-DTA and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a lignocellulosic fibrous material with calorific values of 14.2 MJ kg−1 and 9.3 MJ kg−1, respectively, and an average specific heat of 1.6 J g−1 K−1. These thermal properties are comparable to those of sugarcane bagasse, a widely used type of biomass for industrial large-scale bioenergy production in Brazil. Therefore, these results indicated that it may be possible to harvest the deciduous leaves, a residue from the "macaúba" cultivation, for energy cogeneration in biodiesel refineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second-generation technology (2G) is currently the industrial route that is being developed with the potential to meet the demand for biofuels and bioproducts. The technology studied in the present work is based on the non-food processing of sugarcane straw, which is unlike the bagasse processing route (a lignocellulosic residue) that is commonly used in boilers for steam and electricity generation. In the last years, cellulosic ethanol plants worldwide include the utilisation of corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, wood waste and plant residues. Therefore, a communication based on industrial aspects using sugarcane straw is important in order to expand the knowledge regarding this promising technology. The main objective of this work included listing the results obtained in a cellulosic-ethanol production industry using sugarcane straw, located in the Northeast region of Brazil and taking into account the efficiency of pre-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation processes and comparing these results with data found in the literature regarding studies with similar efficiency. It was possible to observe that the production of ethanol from sugarcane straw at an industrial scale achieved a productivity of 200 l of ethanol per tonne of biomass, exhibiting 90, 70 and 85% of pre-treatment, hydrolysis and fermentation efficiency, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neat poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/cassava bagasse (CB) composites were used to produce seedling tubes by extrusion and injection molding. The tubes were buried in simulated soil, and their biodegradation was investigated by weight loss, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). After 180 days, the composites' biodegradation was higher than neat PLA material, and the higher the CB content, the higher the biodegradation, which caused fissures and voids in the material. The biodegradation of PLA/CB composites increased the phosphorus content in the soil after 180 days. Composites of PLA with CB, an abundant agro‐industrial residue in Brazil, are promising because they can reduce the environmental impact due to CB's proper destination, and the composites' costs and biodegradation are faster than pure PLA material. Both the faster biodegradation of the tube and the higher P content are advantageous for seedling tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sugarcane has a large capacity for producing electricity using completely clean technology from a renewable source, contributing to environmental preservation. This study aimed to evaluate the increase in biomass resulting from the implementation of irrigation in Brazilian sugarcane plantations, estimate the potential for cogeneration, and calculate how much it will be possible to increase the Brazilian energy cogenerated with sugarcane bagasse and the impact on the Brazilian energy matrix. The increase in irrigation in the rainfed areas of Brazilian sugarcane plantations has substantial potential in increasing biomass for energy cogeneration. Considering an increase of 15% in the sugarcane plantation yields in rainfed areas achieved by the increase in irrigation, it leads to a potential increase of 96.39 million tons of sugarcane and 26.80 million tons biomass produced. In the energy matrix, the potential impact is 1.42 GWh of cogenerated energy, which corresponds to a 12.47% increase in cogeneration in the sugar-energy sector and a 0.85% increase in Brazil's energy matrix. The expansion of the sugarcane irrigated area contributes to the increase in the production of bagasse and bioenergetic generation in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Krast is a basidiomycete of the family Ganodermataceae, whose production is on the increase due to its medicinal attributes. However, most scientific research published in Brazil is related to nutraceuctic and medicinal properties of G. lucidum with scanty reference to culture technology. Analysis of the potentiality of malt bagasse, a residue from the brewery industry, in the culture of G. lucidum is to make viable the use of the material for the production of a type of highly aggregated food (mushrooms). The potential of malt bagasse was tested at different proportions (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%, dry base, treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively) with substrates for the culture of Ganoderma lucidum to evaluate the mass of fresh basidium and the substrate's chemical characteristics. In the case of produced mass, treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 did not differ statistically, with rates between 40.0 and 47.6 g, above treatment T5, with mean 23 g, differing statistically from the others. Substrate's chemical characterization revealed pH increase according to use of malt bagasse which may have caused a decrease in productivity in treatment T5. Results show that malt bagasse within the proposed conditions may be used as a supplement up to 15%, with satisfactory productivity of G. lucidum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Brazil is responsible for 60% of the global production of orange juice, accounting for over three‐quarters of global orange juice exports, resulting in large quantities of orange bagasse (OB). This is an underutilized byproduct of the orange juice industry and corresponds to 50% of the fruit weight. The objectives of this study were to produce cellulose from OB using a combination of ultrasound and peracetic acid (PA) treatment, and to characterize the obtained materials according to their microstructure, crystallinity, thermal stability and water sorption behavior, and their cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents. RESULTS: Ultrasound pretreatment alone was not effective in altering the composition of OB. Samples subjected to both ultrasound and PA presented higher cellulose contents and lower hemicellulose and lignin contents in comparison to their respective samples undergoing PA treatment alone. The sample subjected to ultrasound for 10 min at a 30% amplitude combined with PA treatment for 24 h (USPA.24) resulted in the highest crystallinity index (54%), with 81.49% cellulose, 0.88% hemicellulose and 2.68% lignin. The increase in cellulose content of samples also resulted in lower water‐holding capacity, solubility and water adsorption capacity of samples. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonication associated with PA treatment can be considered a promising approach and effective protocol for the extraction of cellulose from lignocellulosic residues, and it has the advantages of simplicity and environmental friendliness when compared to conventional methods, reducing the toxicity and amount of the resulting effluents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil has played a leading role in the global cultivation of sugarcane, used in the production of sugar and ethanol, which results in sugarcane bagasse as agrowaste. This agroresidue generates electricity and second-generation ethanol, but the colossal amount available allows for alternative applications. Currently, mechanized harvesting/unburn predominates over manual harvesting/burn. The present study was conducted in this scenario and investigated the use of fibers from unburned sugarcane bagasse (SBU) in bio-based composites. Phenolic thermoset was chosen as a matrix due to its excellent properties. The mechanization/unburn method allows the use of variable length fibers (this study: 1/3/5 cm, 30 wt%). SBU was characterized in detail, highlighting the characterization via inverse gas chromatography (IGC, which provides information regarding the polarity of the groups present on the surface of the fibers). Briefly, the composition of SBU shows no significant differences compared to burnt bagasse (SBB), and IGC showed that SBU has more polar groups on the surface than SBB, which favors intermolecular interactions and then adhesion with the phenolic matrix. Composites reinforced with 3- and 5-cm fibers presented a storage modulus higher than that of the unreinforced thermoset, and the impact strength of all composites was higher than that of the thermoset (up to 45%). This set of results points to applications such as rigid packaging, non-structural parts of buildings and automotive vehicles, which increases the applications of the investigated agrowaste within the circular bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental impact of cement production increased significantly in the previous years. For each ton of cement produced, approximately a ton of carbon dioxide is emitted in decarbonation (50%), clinker furnace combustion (40%), raw materials transport (5%), and electricity (5%). Green strategies have been advanced to reduce it, adding natural or waste materials to substitute components or reinforce the mortar, like fibers or ashes. Sugar cane bagasse ash is a by-product generated from sugar boilers and alcohol factories with capacity to be used in concrete production. Composed mainly of silica, it can be used as mortar and concrete mineral admixture, providing great economic and environmental advantages, particularly in regions with sugar culture and industrial transformation like Brazil. In this research, a study of partial substitution of Portland cement by sugar cane bagasse (SCB) is analyzed, in order to reduce clinker in concrete volume, responsible for high emission of CO2 to the atmosphere. An experimental campaign with cementitious pastes was carried out to evaluate the durability properties' changes due to SCB ash use. Samples containing 15% of sugarcane bagasse ash unveiled good results in terms of durability, indicating that concrete structure with sugar cane ash research is a new and important scientific topic to be highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to determine the physicochemical and thermal properties of sugarcane Dry Cleaning System Residue(DCR) and Bagasse from milling A(BMA) and B(BMB), aiming the cogeneration system application. The DCR and BMB are obtained after the Dry Cleaning System, currently used during the mechanized harvesting implemented in Brazil. The DCR under treatment is obtained as chopped sugarcane Straw (CSS), which together with the BMA and BMB are brought to the boiler, without considering yet the alterations that can have on that system. Accordingly, CSS, BMA and BMB were undergone analysis to determine their particle size, ultimate, proximate and elemental ash composition, bulk density and Higher Heating Value (HHV). The results indicate that CSS, BMA and BMB have a higher ash content 11.19 wt%, 2.08 wt% and 1.06 wt%, and lower fixed carbon content 11.54 wt%, 10.29 wt% and 8.92 wt%, respectively, in relation to the bagasse. HHV for CSS was 6.67 MJ kg−1, 18.59 MJ.kg-1 for BMA and 18.43 MJ kg−1 for BMB, being close to the 18.89 MJ.kg-1 of the bagasse. This, enables the addition of DCR along with BMA and BMB in bagasse cogeneration plants, but it can cause a fouling and slagging effects due of the presence of ashes with high content of alkali minerals. • Characterization of sugarcane dry cleaning system residues for combustion, are showed. • Dry Cleaning System (DCS) can improve bagasse properties as a biomass for combustion. • Chopped Sugar Straw (CSS) combustion properties are impaired after DCS pretreatment. • Mechanical harvesting and DCS change sugarcane residues properties for cogeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an important methodology for assessing the environmental aspects and impacts of a product, good or service. LCA is an analytical environmental management tool that can analyze the acquisition of raw materials, manufacture, use, maintenance and even its final destination. This study quantified the environmental impacts associated with the production of French bread in a bakery in northeastern Brazil. The environmental impact assessment methods employed in the LCA were IPCC 2013 GWP 100a (midpoint, which expresses environmental impacts in kg CO2-eq) and ReCiPe (endpoint, which groups impacts on human health, damage to ecosystems and use of energy resources). It was verified that the energy source with the greatest environmental impact was natural gas, for both methods evaluated, reaching a participation of more than 23% in the environmental impacts generated. Because natural gas is a major contributor to the energy mix of the bakery, the costs associated with its consumption were higher. Sugarcane bagasse briquettes presented lower levels of environmental impacts and reduced price, but the substitution of natural gas by briquettes is not direct and should consider its significantly lower heating value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sugarcane industry has assumed an increasingly important role at a global level, with countries such as Brazil and India dominating the field. However, this causes environmental problems, since the industry produces large amounts of waste, such as sugarcane bagasse. This by-product, which is energetically partially recovered in sugar mills and in the pulp and paper industry, can make a significant contribution to the general use of biomass energy, if the usual disadvantages associated with products with low density and a high moisture content are overcome. From this perspective, thermochemical conversion technologies, especially torrefaction, are assumed to be capable of improving the fuel properties of this material, making it more appealing for potential export and use in far-off destinations. In this work, sugarcane samples were acquired, and the process of obtaining bagasse was simulated. Subsequently, the bagasse was dried and heat-treated at 200 and 300 °C to simulate the over-drying and torrefaction process. Afterward, product characterization was performed, including thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, calorimetry, and energy densification. The results showed significant improvements in the energy content, from 18.17 to 33.36 MJ·kg−1 from dried bagasse to torrefied bagasse at 300 °C, showing that despite high mass loss, there is potential for a future value added chain for this waste form, since the increment in energy density could enhance its transportation and use in locations far off the production site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on the characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) is of ultimate significance to instill assurance in builders and engineers. Abundant available literatures point towards the utilization of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as source material in the production of GPC with little on other materials. India produces nearly 350 MMT of sugarcane for the production of sugar, which lies second only to Brazil in the annual production, the disposal of the bagasse creates an environmental issue needs to be effectively utilized. Hence, this work was intended to investigate the effect of utilizing sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a source material in the production of geopolymer mixes. The fresh (consistency, setting time, soundness and flow), hardened (density, compressive strength, expansion and pH) and microstructural properties (X-ray diffraction) of the tested mixes were asessed. The results infer that 20 % replacement level of GGBFS with SCBA produces superior compressive strength and all other results were within the permissible limits even at 40 % replacement level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeasts associated with rotting wood from four Atlantic Rain forest sites in Brazil were investigated using a culture medium based on sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate. A total of 330 yeast strains were isolated. Pichia manshurica, Candida pseudolambica , and Wickerhamomyces sp. 3 were the most frequently isolated species. Fourteen novel species were obtained in this study. All isolates were tested for their ability to ferment d -xylose and to produce xylanases. In the fermentation assays using d -xylose (30 g L−1), the main ethanol producers were Scheffersomyces stipitis (14.08 g L−1), Scheffersomyces sp. (7.94 g L−1) and Spathaspora boniae (7.16 g L−1). Sc. stipitis showed the highest ethanol yield (0.42 g g−1) and the highest productivity (0.39 g L−1h−1). The fermentation results using hemicellulosic hydrolysate showed that Sc. stipitis was the best ethanol producer, achieving a yield of 0.32 g g−1, while Sp. boniae and Scheffersomyces sp. were excellent xylitol producers. The best xylanase-producing yeasts at 50 °C belonged to the species Su. xylanicola (0.487 U mg−1) and Saitozyma podzolica (0.384 U mg−1). The results showed that rotting wood collected from the Atlantic Rainforest is a valuable source of yeasts able to grow in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate, including species with promising biotechnological properties. • Sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate medium was used for yeast isolation from rotting wood. • 330 strains were isolated and identified as 66 known species and 14 novel yeast species. • Scheffersomyces stipitis was the best ethanol producer in bagasse hydrolysate medium. • Spathaspora boniae and Scheffersomyces sp. were excellent xylitol producers. • The best xylanase-producing species were Su. xylanicola , Saitozyma podzolica and A. sporotrichoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient use of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of advanced fuels and bio‐based materials has become increasingly relevant. In the EU, regulatory developments are stimulating the mobilization and production of bio‐based chemicals / materials and biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. We used an attributional life‐cycle assessment approach based on region‐specific characteristics to determine the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) performance of different supply‐chain configurations with internationally sourced lignocellulosic biomass (stem wood, forest residues, sawmill residues, and sugarcane bagasse) from the USA, the Baltic States (BS), and Brazil (BR) for the simultaneous production of lactide and ethanol in a biorefinery located in the Netherlands (NL). The results are compared with a biorefinery that uses locally cultivated sugar beets. We also compared GHG emissions savings from the supply‐chain configurations with the minimum GHG saving requirements in the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and relevant fossil‐based counterparts for bio‐based materials. The GHG emissions 'from cradle to factory gate' vary between 692 g CO2eq/kglactide (sawmill residues pellets from the BS) and 1002 g CO2eq/kglactide (sawmill chips from the USA) for lactide and between 15 g CO2eq/MJethanol (sawmill residues pellets from the BS) and 28 g CO2eq/MJethanol (bagasse pellets from BR) for ethanol. Upstream GHG emissions from the conversion routes have a relatively small impact compared with biomass conversion to lactide and ethanol. The use of woody biomass yields better GHG emissions performance for the conversion system than sugarcane bagasse or sugar beets as result of the higher lignin content that is used to generate electricity and heat internally for the system. Only the sugar beet from the NL production route is able to comply with RED II GHG savings criteria (65% by 2021). The GHG savings from polylactide acid (a derivate of lactic acid) are high and vary depending on choice of fossil‐based counterpart, with the highest savings reported when compared to polystyrene (PS). These high savings are mostly attributed to the negative emission credit from the embedded carbon in the materials. Several improvement options along the conversion routes were explored. Efficient feedstock supply chains (including pelletization and large ocean vessels) also allow for long‐distance transportation of biomass and conversion in large‐scale biorefineries close to demand centers with similar GHG performance to biorefineries with a local biomass supply. © 2019 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass ranks third as the greatest energy source for the conversion of electricity in Brazil, with sugarcane as the most relevant energy input. Bagasse is the residual biomass in the crushing process and its storage is required due to the production´s seasonality. Experiments have been undertaken for samples of stocked material in different positions (differentiated degradation) obtained in an agro-industrial unit with seventy thousand tons acquired for use in a steam boiler. Physical and chemical (immediate analysis, including humidity) and energetic (heat power) characteristics of sugarcane bagasse were evaluated when undergoing stocking conditions in the open air during three years. Climate influence and storage conditions were analyzed in alterations of the energy potential of residual biomass. The following results are underscored: a) specific mass was four times higher and TUM,BU reached 85% when bagasse was stored in the open air; b) decrease of TCZ (< 1%), making possible reduced damage and maintenance when used in steam boilers; c) without significant degradation as solid fuel with regard to TMV,BS and TCF,BS, provides respectively ignition and stability of fuel, and significant contribution in PCS; d) mean rates for calorific power will be consumed at 15% or more, within the process of bagasse drying; e) available thermal energy (-27 mil TEP) has a significant potential for the co-generation of energy and increase in aggregated value of agro-industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replacement of fossil-based fuels by renewable fuels (biofuels) was proposed in the IPCC report, as an alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emission and reach out to a low-carbon economy. On this perspective, the Brazilian government had implemented a renewable energy program based on the use of ethanol in the transport sector. This work evaluates the scenario of pollutant gas emissions and particulate material that comes from the biomass burning process involved in ethanol production cycle, in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil. The gases and particulate material emitted by sugarcane and bagasse burning processes—the last one in energy co-generation mills—were analyzed. A laboratory-controlled burning of both samples was realized in an oven with temperature ramp from 250 to 400 °C, at a regular rate of 50 °C. The gas samples were collected directly from the oven's exhaust pipe. The particulates obtained were the residual material taken out of the burned samples: a powder with the aspect of soot. A photoacoustic spectroscopy system coupled with quantum cascade laser and electrochemical analyzers was used to measure the emission of polluting gases such as N2O, CO2, CO, NOx (NO, NO2), and SO2 in ppmv range. Fluorescent X-ray spectrometry was applied to evaluate the chemical composition of particulate material, enabling the identification of elements such as Si, Al, Ca, K, Fe, S, P, Ti, Mn, Cu, Zn, Sc, V, Cu, and Sr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel production faces environmental and economic challenges due to the use of homogeneous catalysts, such as NaOH, KOH, NaOCH 3 , and KOCH 3. Despite their good activity, these catalysts are toxic and almost impossible to recycle/reuse. Heterogeneous catalysts, otherwise, can be reused and easily separated from the final product, resulting in more sustainable and cost-effective production. However, these catalysts leach, losing activity through reaction cycles and contaminating the biodiesel This review has therefore addressed the use of CaO – a promising catalyst for biodiesel synthesis – and various biochar-derived catalysts. Particular attention was paid to studies involving the use of CaO in a biochar matrix (CaO/Biochar), given the support essential role in making the CaO use feasible. The use of catalysts derived from sugarcane bagasse biochar was also highlighted, given this biomass importance, especially in Brazil. Studies have shown that biochar-derived catalysts have good activity, excellent stability, and can be reused for up to 10 cycles. Concerning CaO/Biochar, it was found that biochar significantly reduced Ca2+ leaching, but there is still a need to further reduce the Ca2+ release into biodiesel. There is also a need to give more focus on CaO leaching. Finally, a lack of studies on the use of catalysts derived from sugarcane bagasse biochar is notiable, showing no study involving the CaO-embedded sugarcane bagasse biochar. • There are no studies about biodiesel synthesis with CaO/Sugarcane biochar. • Biochars from different sources significantly reduced the Ca2+ leaching. • Biochar-based catalysts provided nearly 100 % biodiesel yield under relatively mild conditions. • Biochar support significantly increases catalysts' reusability. • Ca– O –Si bonds may be associated with the CaO anchoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fuels and chemicals from renewable feedstocks have a growing demand, and acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) are some relevant examples. These molecules can be produced by the bacterial fermentation process using hydrolysates generated from lignocellulosic biomass as sugarcane bagasse, one of the most abundant sources of lignocellulosic biomass in Brazil. It originates as a residue in mills and distilleries in the production of sugar and ethanol. Results: In the present work, two strategies to generate hydrolysates of sugarcane bagasse were adopted. The fermentation of the first hydrolysate by Clostridium acetobutylicum DSM 6228 resulted in final concentrations of butanol, acetone and ethanol of 6.4, 4.5 and 0.6 g/L, respectively. On the other hand, the second hydrolysate presented better results (averages of 9.1, 5.5 and 0.8 g/L, respectively), even without the need for nutrient supplementation, since key elements were already present in the medium. The productivity (QP) and yield (YP/S) of the solvents with second hydrolysate were 0.5 g/L·h-1 and 0.4 g/g, respectively. Conclusions: The results described herein open newperspectives for the production of important molecules from residual lignocellulosic biomass for the fuel and chemical industries within the context of second-generation biorefinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis is a promising technology for thermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomasses into a higher added value fuel. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of four agroforestry biomasses to produce energy as a raw material or as a bio-coal. In this study, slow pyrolysis was conducted in three final temperatures to evaluate the bio-coal production of four agroforestry biomasses widely available in Brazil. The biomasses used were sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum sp.), bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), straw bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and eucalypts wood chips (Eucalyptus sp.). In the first part was presented the raw biomasses proprieties, such as lignin, carbon, hydrogen and ash contents. In the second part was showed the bio-coal proprieties, such as gravimetric and fixed carbon yields, fixed carbon and ash contents. These bio-coal results were showed as a function of final temperature of pyrolysis. The best energy indicators for bio-coal production, such as fixed carbon yield, high heating value, was observed in the bamboo and eucalypts. The bagasse and straw bean biomasses have high concentrations of ash and low lignin content when compared with the other biomasses assessed and are less suitable to produce bio-coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biorefineries can upgrade waste lignocellulosic biomass (LB) into soluble (C5 and C6) sugars that can be fermented into second‐generation (2G) ethanol‐based biofuels and a range of valuable byproducts derived from lignin. Research advances made in various laboratories worldwide have not been easy to translate into large‐scale operations. Here, we performed a simple economic analysis of cellulosic ethanol production from a stand‐alone 100ton dry sugarcane bagasse per day process, from a Brazilian market perspective, based on current state‐of‐the‐art biorefinery process technologies. Economic analysis reveals that the cost of manufacturing (COM) of 2G ethanol in an annexed Brazilian facility is close to USD 1.33 L−1. Fixed and variable costs contributed 57% and 24% in COM of 2G ethanol with a high payback period of ~31 years and a negative net present value (NPV). Further cost reduction can be realized by continuous R&D efforts aiming for innovation in new processing paradigms for cellulosic biorefineries. The key market players (Poet‐DSM, DuPont, Abengoa, Beta Renewables, Raizen, Granbio, Praj, etc.) and other new emerging players (Global Yeast, Taurus Energy, Leaf, Mascoma‐Lallemand) working on ethanologen development, and cellulase producers (Novozyme, Metgen), should also develop partnerships / joint ventures to establish a sustainable business model to develop cost‐competitive 2G ethanol production from bagasse in Brazil. This paper presents additional commentary and analysis with pertinent information about the commercialization of integrated 2G ethanol biorefineries processing sugarcane bagasse, from a Brazilian perspective. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provided a basis for new possibilities concerning the use of the sugarcane bagasse ash as a green pozzolanic addition to the Portland cement composite. To that effect, a simple micronization method using air jet milling without any other additional thermal procedure was used to control the characteristics of ash particles. This procedure not only maintains the required characteristics of the residues but can also improve some of them. Sugarcane bagasse ash is a residue produced on large scale in Brazil by ethanol and sugar plants as a result of the burning of sugarcane bagasse in energy cogeneration. The residue used in this study was initially characterized by scanning electron microscopy, granulometric and specific mass analyses, N2 adsorption measurements, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis with differential thermal analysis. Pozzolanic ash activity was evaluated according to the axial compressive strength at 28 days and the modified Chapelle methods. The results showed that the milling fly sugarcane bagasse ash samples presented satisfactory pozzolanic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state cultivation (SSC) is the growth of microorganisms on solid supports in the absence or near absence of free water. Sugarcane bagasse and vinasse are generated abundantly in Brazil as byproducts from the ethanol industry, and bagasse has been used as solid matrix for SSC to produce a variety of bioproducts. The present study aimed to evaluate the SSC of Aspergillus niger on sugarcane bagasse impregnated with vinasse, with airflow rate and column bed height as scale-up criteria. Airflow rate of 0.8 L min-1 caused a citric acid productivity of 3.77 mg (L.h)-1 and a yield of 0.73 g g-1 at 100 mm bed height. On the other hand, an airflow rate of 3 L min-1 resulted in a productivity of 8.46 mg (L.h)-1 with 2.26 g g-1 of citric acid at 200 mm, and an estimated specific oxygen consumption rate of 0.008 mg per mg of biomass per hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane mills currently use sugarcane bagasse to cogenerate heat and electricity, supplying the process with mechanical, thermal and electrical energy. Some of these plants are able to produce surplus electricity to export to the national grid. With the improvement in collection techniques, sugarcane straw has also become available and has been used in some mills as fuel for steam boilers, mixed with sugarcane bagasse. However, due to different traits compared to bagasse, the use of sugarcane straw may pose additional problems of incrustation and corrosion on heat exchange surfaces. Several alternatives and technologies have been studied and tried out in order to increase the production of surplus electricity. Among others, biomass integrated gasifier–gas turbine combined cycle (BIGCC) is a promising technology. However, several attempts have resulted in failure, whether on a pilot or industrial scale. Biomass gasification integrated with internal combustion engines can become an opportunity for generation of small power capacity (<15 MW) and integrated to sugarcane mills. This paper analyzes the difficulties and barriers to increasing electricity generation in the sugarcane industry through studies, projects and experimental and industrial-scale installations that have already been carried out. • Bagasse and cane straw show great potential for electricity generation. • Sugarcane industry in Brazil accounts for 6.4% of the electricity generated. • Biomass integrated gasification and combined cycle can increase electricity generation. • Technological and economic challenges are major barriers to the development of BIGCC. • No BIGCC project already implemented is currently in commercial operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted at a sugar-alcohol plant located in Nova Alvorada do Sul city, Mato Grosso do Sul State (MS), Brazil, with the objective to discuss the economic viability of electricity cogeneration using sugarcane bagasse for sale of surplus electricity for concessionaires through of the Sistema Interligado Nacional (SIN). Net Present Value (NPV) was used to calculate the economic feasibility of comparing the invested initial capital and the result of the sum of the cash flow at the end of the period. It was observed that the investment can produce financial returns when the production of electricity by the plant is above 40 MW h or that the MW h price is traded above the USD$ 44.00. The results showed that the cost of production of 1 MW h is USD$ 29.04, a competitive value compared to other small power plants, which makes it an excellent alternative both for the company's financial complementarity as well as for the production of electricity of the plant, with environmental and socioeconomic advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the economic feasibility of ethanol and higher alcohols production through a thermochemical route in Brazil. This route comprises mainly sugarcane bagasse gasification, syngas cleaning, and synthesis of alcohols. Ethanol production costs and associated risks are evaluated in different scenarios. A case study of a virtual plant to be located adjacent to a sugarcane mill, in the state of São Paulo, is presented with the objective of finding the minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) that makes the plant’s project economically feasible. The analysis utilizes first the traditional discounted cash flow method and then proceeds to use a stochastic approach, which is more suitable to study economic feasibility under uncertainty conditions. In the latter approach, prices of raw materials and products are modelled through a mean reverting stochastic process, and economic feasibility is analysed with the help of Monte Carlo simulations. Results are summarized via a histogram of the MESPs obtained for different simulated price scenarios. Finally, the project’s risk is evaluated by computing the number of instances in which the MESP is greater than the ethanol market price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sugarcane bagasse gasification is simulated in Aspen Plus®. • Syngas can be converted into methanol, acetic acid and DME. • The plant is analyzed in individual and multipurpose scenarios. • Catalysts correspond to the most significant fraction of the production costs. • A multipurpose plant is a good alternative due to operational flexibility. Sugarcane bagasse is generated in large quantities in Brazil, and it could be gasified for the production of several chemicals, adding value to the sugar and ethanol production chain. The objective of this work is the simulation of an integrated plant for the production of three important chemicals through sugarcane bagasse gasification: methanol, acetic acid and DME. A sensitivity analysis was performed and showed how gasification temperature and steam-to-biomass ratio should be adjusted to favor one or another product (T = 900 °C and SB = 0.9 for methanol and indirect acetic acid and DME production; T = 950 °C and SB = 0.5 for direct DME production), and an economic analysis has shown that the installation of a multipurpose plant is feasible (paybacks of less than 5 years and multipurpose fashion not affecting the investment return) and how the process can be reconfigured depending on the economic scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SCBA is a viable precursor for alkali-activated materials. • The main mechanism of reaction of SCBA pastes is the diffusion process, independent of paste formulation. • The compressive strength and microstructure are strongly dependent of alkalis and silicate content. • There is no relation between the heat flow and accumulated heat with compressive strength of SCBA pastes. The production of Portland cement exhibits significant importance for social and economic development of a country, however also generates environmental impacts from the extraction of raw materials to the production of clinker. Despite the impacts, the demand for Portland cement is still growing in developing countries such as India, China, and Brazil. Faced with this impasse, research for the development of alternative materials to Portland cement is growing around the world. Among these researches, those related to alkali-activated materials (AAMs) stand out. AAMs are considered more sustainable than Portland cement because emit less CO 2 during their production process. In addition, the raw materials used in its development are generally wastes from other industrial processes. Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) is an example of residue generated on a large scale in Brazil and with great potential for use in the production of AAMs. Therefore, the present work seeks to develop AAMs using SCBA as an exclusive precursor. For this, the material's viability was verified through physical, mechanical, morphological, and calorimetric tests. As a result, concluded that SCBA is a viable precursor for AAMs, promoting sustainability and innovation in the field of construction materials. In addition, the main mechanism of the reaction of SCBA pastes is the diffusion process, independent of paste formulation and the silicate is crucial for the degree of reaction at early age. At the same time, the compressive strength and microstructure are strongly dependent on alkalis and silicate content and SiO 2 /Na 2 O proportions around 1.0 are the optimum point for SCBA pastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilization at concentrations consistent with keeping global warming below 2 °C above the pre-industrial level will require drastic cuts in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions during the first half of the century; net negative emissions approaching 2100 are required in the vast majority of current emission scenarios. For negative emissions, the focus has been on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), where carbon-neutral bioenergy would be combined with additional carbon capture thus yielding emissions lower than zero. Different BECCS technologies are considered around the world and one option that deserves special attention applies CCS to ethanol production. It is currently possible to eliminate 27.7 million tonnes (Mt) of CO 2 emissions per year through capture and storage of CO 2 released during fermentation, which is part of sugar cane-based ethanol production in Brazil. Thus, BECCS could reduce the country’s emissions from energy production by roughly 5%. Such emissions are additional to those due to the substitution of biomass-based electricity for fossil-fueled power plants. This paper assesses the potential and cost effectiveness of negative emissions in the joint production system of ethanol and electricity based on sugar cane, bagasse, and other residues in Brazil. An important benefit is that CO 2 can be captured twice along the proposed BECCS supply chain (once during fermentation and once during electricity generation). This study only considers BECCS from fermentation because capturing such CO 2 is straightforward, thus potentially representing a cost-effective mitigation option for Brazil compared to other alternatives. The assessment shows that fuel prices would increase by less than 3.5% due to the adoption of BECCS from fermentation, while increasing investors’ revenues are sufficient to compensate for the investment required. With appropriate government subsidies, or by sharing BECCS costs between all car fuels and all electricity supplied by hydro and bioelectricity, the increment in ethanol and electricity prices could be less than 1% for the final consumer. Meanwhile it would supply 77.3% of all cars’ fuel (private cars) and 17.9% of all electricity in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sugar cane industry in Brazil is expanding, leading to great interest in using the leftover bagasse for other uses, beyond burning it for its energy. A thorough physical and chemical characterization of bagasse, particularly regarding its lignin structure, is relevant for a more rational utilization of the bagasse in the production of printing and writing pulp grades, dissolving pulp, ethanol, and power. The main goals of this study were characterizing the chemical (pith and fibers fractions) and morphologic (fibers fraction) properties of the sugar cane bagasse and the structure of the depithed bagasse lignin by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Industrial whole bagasse was separated into two fractions: pith and depithed bagasse. The pith was only characterized chemically. The depithed bagasse was chemically and morphologically characterized. The cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin contents of the two materials varied significantly. The lignin composition of the depithed bagasse showed very high contents of phenolic cinnamic acids (PCAs). The depithed bagasse lignin presented fractions with different structural monomer distributions. The morphological analyses of the depithed bagasse indicated a short fiber material, similar to hardwoods. Application: The thorough physical and chemical characterization of bagasse presented here, particularly regarding its lignin structure, is relevant for a more rational use of the bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper aims to identify and quantify the main potential environmental impacts of the sugarcane bagasse electricity generation in Brazil. To do so, it was employed the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique based on primary and secondary data from three previous studies encompassing electricity generation, transmission and distribution processes. It was identified that the main impact potentials of this type of electricity generation in Brazil that should be addressed by decision-makers are the photochemical ozone, the human toxicity via soil and the nutrient enrichment ones, which are caused mainly by the sugarcane straw burning prior harvesting and the chemical application. In addition, it was found that non-renewable resources, renewable resources and energy consumption are also important issues that should be addressed mostly in the process of electricity transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The filamentous fungus Acrophialophora nainiana, isolated from a hot spring in Brazil, was grown in liquid culture on different cellulosic and lignocellulosic carbon sources for seven days and enzyme extracts were characterised with respect to their carbohydrase activity profile. The enzyme extracts obtained from growing A. nainiana on cellulose, dirty-cotton residue, sugarcane bagasse and banana stem were used in the hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse untreated (UT), pre-treated by steam explosion (SET) and pre-treated by acid-catalysed steam explosion (SAT). The carbohydrase activity profile of the enzyme preparations varied significantly with the used carbon source. The highest enzyme activities, especially total cellulase (0.0132 IU) and xylanase (0.0774 IU) activities, were obtained with banana stem as the carbon source. Pectinase activity was produced on all carbon sources at comparable levels. On sugarcane bagasse, total cellulase activity on filter paper and pectinase activities were predominant, but a very low amount of xylanase and CMCase activity, 0.0011 IU and 0.0019 IU, respectively, was found. The exocellulase/endocellulase activity ratio (FPAsol/FPAinsol) of the cellulases produced varied between 1 and 4 depending on the substrate. The highest endocellulase activity (FPAinsol) content was obtained when grown on sugarcane bagasse. Conversions to reducing sugars of the differently pre-treated sugarcane bagasse substrates with enzyme preparations from A. nainiana were in general low. The highest conversion to reducing sugars (˜18%) was obtained for the SET bagasse by the banana stem enzyme preparation, while conversions with the other enzyme preparations were below 5%. In most cases a very low conversion (below 1%) was obtained for the SAT bagasse, but better conversions were achieved for the UT. These results are mainly attributable to the hydrolysis of the hemicellulose fraction and the low cellulase and β-glucosidase activities in the enzyme preparations. Hydrolysis data were also analysed and successfully fitted with a fractal kinetics model, and model parameters are discussed with respect to the carbon source used for A. nainiana enzyme production and substrate pre-treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, sugarcane biomass is generated in large amounts. Sugarcane bagasse and straw are considered as an important feedstock for renewable energy and biorefinery. This paper aims to study the generation of monosaccharides (C5 and C6) from sugarcane biomass via processing bagasse or straw and mixtures of both materials (bagasse:straw 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3). Samples were pretreated with sulfuric acid which resulted in approximately 90% of hemicellulose solubilization, corresponding to around 58 g L− 1 of xylose. Pretreated straw showed greater susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis in comparison to bagasse, as shown by glucose yields of 76% and 65%, respectively, whereas the mixtures showed intermediate yields. Thus, one strategy to balance sugarcane biomass availability and possibly increasing 2G ethanol production would be to use bagasse-straw mixtures in appropriate ratios according to market fluctuations. Untreated and pretreated samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, but there was no relationship to enzymatic hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioconversion of hemicellulosic sugars into second generation (2G) ethanol plays a pivotal role in the overall success of biorefineries. In this study, ethanol production performance of a novel xylose-fermenting yeast, Scheffersomyces shehatae UFMG-HM 52.2, was evaluated under batch fermentation conditions using sugarcane bagasse (SB) hemicellulosic hydrolysate as carbon source. Dilute acid hydrolysis of SB was performed to obtain sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate (SBHH). It was concentrated, detoxified, and supplemented with nutrients in different formulations to prepare the fermentation medium to the yeast evaluation performance. S. shehataeUFMG-HM52.2 (isolated fromBrazilianAtlantic rain forest ecosystem) was used in fermentations carried out in Erlenmeyer flasks maintained in a rotator shaker at 30°C and 200 rpm for 72 h. The use of a fermentation medium composed of SBHH supplemented with 5 g/L ammonium sulfate, 3 g/L yeast extract, and 3 g/L malt extract resulted in 0.38 g/g of ethanol yield and 0.19 g L.h of volumetric productivity after 48 h of incubation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bagasse from sugarcane is traditionally used in the Brazilian sugar and ethanol industry to meet the energy needs of its own production processes and, more recently, to generate surplus electricity for sale on the national grid. Currently, the industry faces a difficult choice between either enhancing electricity generation or increasing ethanol production through the biochemical processing of bagasse. The aim of this paper is to examine the most promising technical configurations for bioenergy production using sugarcane bagasse and to discuss which configuration would be the most attractive investment option for the industry. At present, electricity generation through Rankine cycle power plants is the only commercially available alternative. Nevertheless, the analysis cannot be restricted only to the short term. For this purpose, cost analysis for 2030 were developed, and even in scenarios where there is an effective cost reduction of untradeable routes, the alternative of burning bagasse to generate electricity provides the most benefits from an investor perspective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]