Biofuel Production from Phytoremediated Biomass via Various Conversion Routes: A Review

Chengjia Bao, Yi Cao, Long Zhao, Xiaojuan Li, Jing Zhang and Chunlan Mao ()
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Chengjia Bao: State Grid Gansu Electric Power Company, Lanzhou 730046, China
Yi Cao: State Grid Gansu Electric Power Transmission and Transformation Engineering Company, Lanzhou 730050, China
Long Zhao: Electric Power Sciences Institute, State Grid Gansu Electric Power Company, Lanzhou 730070, China
Xiaojuan Li: Electric Power Sciences Institute, State Grid Gansu Electric Power Company, Lanzhou 730070, China
Jing Zhang: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Chunlan Mao: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: Phytoremediation is recognized as a highly cost-effective technique for remediating soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs). Biomass residues from these remediated plants constitute a significant resource with considerable potential for biofuel conversion. However, the potential of these residues for biofuel production has not been extensively reviewed. This review aims to comprehensively review the recent progress in converting phytoremediated biomass into biofuels via various pathways. Methods for the disposal and biofuel conversion of residual phytoremediated biomass are summarized. The advantages and limitations of the different techniques are discussed and compared. These residues can be converted into gaseous (biogas/methane), liquid (biodiesel, bioethanol, and bio-oil), or solid energy forms (biochar, hydrochar). The conversion methods reviewed include anaerobic digestion, nanomaterial synthesis, incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis. HMs such as copper, cadmium, and zinc significantly influence these processes, enhancing them at lower concentrations but inhibiting them at higher concentrations. However, these conversion routes often involve high costs and complex operational conditions, and are typically limited to laboratory-scale, short-term trials. Therefore, there is an urgent need for multi-objective strategies that consider economic factors, viability, scalability, and environmental sustainability through sustainable pathways. Proper treatment of phytoremediated biomass with energy recovery presents an economically viable and environmentally sustainable solution.

Keywords: heavy metal pollution; phytoremediation; biomass; biofuel conversion; disposal methods (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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