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

Filippo Marchelli, Giorgio Rovero, Massimo Curti, Elisabetta Arato, Barbara Bosio and Cristina Moliner
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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

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-15

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.

Keywords: circular economy; integrated approach; biochar; biomass pyrolysis; wool residue; hydrolysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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