Characterization of South African Woody and Non-Woody Invasive Alien Plant Species for Sustainable Bio-Oil Production

Bongiwe Mtshali, Alaika Kassim (), Sipho Sibanda and Tilahun Workneh ()
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Bongiwe Mtshali: Bioresources Engineering, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
Alaika Kassim: Bioresources Engineering, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
Sipho Sibanda: Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria 0184, South Africa
Tilahun Workneh: Bioresources Engineering, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-17

Abstract: Bio-oil energy use in agricultural systems provides sustainable solutions for powering machinery operations and heating and cooling environments in facilities. However, its potential in South Africa is constrained by the limited availability of energy substrate that does not compromise food production, land use, and water resources. This study investigated the physical and chemical properties of six invasive alien plant species (IAPs), three woody species ( Acacia mearnsii , Eucalyptus grandis , and Pinus patula ), and three nonwoody species ( Lantana camara , Chromolaena odorata , and Solanum mauritianum ) to assess their suitability for bio-oil production. Key analyses included structural, elemental, proximate, atomic ratio, higher heating value (HHV), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses. The results showed that woody IAPs had a significantly higher structural composition ( p < 0.05), improving bio-oil yield. The bio-oil can be blended with diesel for agricultural use, while lignin-derived biochar serves as a soil amendment. Higher carbon and hydrogen contents enhanced HHV and combustion, while lower nitrogen and sulfur levels reduced emissions. Despite oxygen hindering pyrolysis, its bioactive properties support crop protection. Compared to South African coal, IAP-derived bio-oil shares similarities with peat coal and could be used for greenhouse heating. This study promotes energy efficiency in agriculture, reduces fossil fuel dependence, and supports environmental sustainability by repurposing IAPs. Additional studies should focus on lignin pretreatment and bio-oil upgrading to reduce oxygenated compounds.

Keywords: invasive alien plants; biomass characterization; renewable energy resource; bio-oil; pyrolysis feedstock (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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