Effect of the Growth Period of Tree Leaves and Needles on Their Fuel Properties

Tadeusz Dziok (), Justyna Łaskawska and František Hopan
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Tadeusz Dziok: Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Justyna Łaskawska: Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
František Hopan: Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies, Energy Research Centre, VSB—Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-14

Abstract: The main advantage of using biomass for energy generation is the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. For a fast reduction effect, it is important to use biomass characterised by an annual growth cycle. These may be fallen leaves. The fuel properties of the leaves can change during the growth period. These changes can result from both the natural growth process and environmental factors—particulate matter adsorption. The main objective was to determine changes in the characteristics of leaves and needles during the growth period (from May to October). Furthermore, to determine the effect of adsorbed particulate matter, the washing process was carried out. Studies were carried out for three tree species: Norway maple, horse chestnut and European larch. Proximate and ultimate analysis was performed and mercury content was determined. During the growth period, beneficial changes were observed: an increase in carbon content and a decrease in hydrogen and sulphur content. The unfavourable change was a significant increase in ash content, which caused a decrease in calorific value. The increase in ash content was caused by adsorbed particulate matter. They were mostly absorbed by the tissues of the needle and leaves and could not be removed by washing the surface.

Keywords: waste biomass; tree leaves; tree needles; solid fuel; properties; calorific value; ash; sulphur; mercury; washing (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: 2025
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