Valorisation of Forest and Agriculture Residual Biomass—The Application of Life Cycle Assessment to Analyse Composting, Mulching, and Energetic Valorisation Strategies

Isabel Brás (), Elisabete Silva, Roberta Raimondo, Raffaella Saetta, Vincenzo Mignano, Massimiliano Fabbricino and José Ferreira
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Isabel Brás: Department of Environment, School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Elisabete Silva: Department of Environment, School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Roberta Raimondo: Civil Engineering, Construction and Environment Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Nápoles, Italy
Raffaella Saetta: Civil Engineering, Construction and Environment Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Nápoles, Italy
Vincenzo Mignano: Civil Engineering, Construction and Environment Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Nápoles, Italy
Massimiliano Fabbricino: Civil Engineering, Construction and Environment Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80125 Nápoles, Italy
José Ferreira: CERNAS-IPV Research Centre and ESTGV, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: The treatment of agricultural and forest residues (AFRs) has become an important issue nowadays, both to avoid improper management and for their enhancement. In the study area of Viseu (Portugal), the AFRs are taken to a Residual Biomass Collection Centre. These are valorised in a Biomass Power Plant to produce electricity. Two further processes could be implemented to valorise this biomass: mulching and composting. This study aims to understand the best strategy to enhance this type of biomass residual considering their environmental performance. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was applied considering a cradle-to-grave approach. Different processes of all the technologies were analysed, and the data collected enabled a comparison of 11 environmental impact categories. The results show that composting is the best alternative, except for global warming and ozone layer depletion, and energy valorisation has the greatest impact on five of the considered categories. In the three processes, impacts are mainly associated with the production and shredding phases of the residual biomass, rather than the transportation stages, due to the short distances covered. In all cases, the value of the final product generates market consequences in terms of electricity and fertiliser production. In line with the aim of the study, its outcomes may provide scientific support to local decision makers in defining best practices in the management of the AFRs.

Keywords: agricultural and forest residues; biomass valorisation; composting; mulching; energetic valorisation; environmental impact; life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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