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Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization
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Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6167

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Juan F. Saldarriaga

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
Interests: biomass; combustion; pyrolysis; remediation; biochar
Prof. Dr. Julián E. López

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Architecture and Engineering, Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Medellín 050034, Colombia
Interests: biomass; remediation; biochar; environmental management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomass energy systems encompass various methods of converting organic materials, particularly agricultural waste, into energy. These methods include pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and direct combustion. By efficiently utilizing waste materials, these technologies aim to generate renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Biomass energy systems convert organic materials, such as agricultural waste, into valuable energy, fostering sustainability and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. This process not only enhances soil health and minimizes environmental pollution, it also produces renewable energy and provides financial benefits for farmers. Advancements in technology and supportive renewable energy policies offer promising prospects for the broader adoption of biomass energy and its integration into other renewable sources, aiding in the development of a sustainable energy future, despite challenges such as high initial costs and practical implementation issues.

The convergence of sustainable farming practices and renewable energy production is the main topic in the Special Issue "Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization". Our main goal is to investigate novel technologies, procedures, and approaches for transforming agricultural waste into biomass energy, therefore tackling many worldwide predicaments, including energy sufficiency, waste handling, and ecological durability.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to share insights, innovations, and experiences. It aims to achieve the following:

  • Advance Knowledge: Contribute to the scientific and technical knowledge base on biomass energy technologies;
  • Promote Sustainability: Encourage practices that promote the sustainable utilization of agricultural waste;
  • Foster Collaboration: Create opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers and practitioners from various fields;
  • Inform Policy: Provide evidence-based insights to inform policy decisions related to renewable energy and agricultural waste management;
  • Innovate Solutions: Stimulate innovation in developing more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly biomass energy technologies.

For this Special Issue, submissions of original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Biomass Conversion Technologies: Investigating various technologies for converting agricultural residues into bioenergy, including thermochemical, biochemical, and hybrid processes;
  • Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Examining sustainable practices in agriculture that support waste minimization and the efficient utilization of agricultural by-products;
  • Environmental Impact: Assessing the environmental benefits and potential drawbacks of using agricultural waste for bioenergy production;
  • Economic Viability: Analyzing the economic aspects and market potential of biomass energy technologies;
  • Policies and Regulations: Discussing the role of policies and regulations in promoting biomass energy and sustainable agricultural waste management;
  • Case Studies: Presenting real-world applications and success stories of biomass energy projects.

Renewable Energy

Bioenergy: There is extensive research on bioenergy production using various sources, including agricultural residues. This Special Issue will build on, and contribute to, this body of work by focusing specifically on agricultural waste;

Technology Development: Studies on the development and optimization of biomass conversion technologies are welcomed. This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advancements and their practical applications.

Sustainable Agriculture

Waste Management: The literature on sustainable agricultural practices often addresses waste management strategies. This Special Issue will integrate these strategies into energy production, offering dual benefits;

Circular Economy: The concept of a circular economy, which emphasizes resource efficiency and waste reduction, is central to this Special Issue. The utilization of agricultural waste for energy production is a prime example of circular economy principles in action.

Environmental Science

Lifecycle Assessment: Research on the environmental impacts of biomass energy, including lifecycle assessments of different technologies, is pertinent to this topic. This Special Issue aims to expand on such analyses, particularly in the context of agricultural waste;

Climate Change Mitigation: The role of biomass energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is well documented. This Special Issue will explore how agricultural waste can contribute to these efforts.

Economics and Policy

Economic Analysis: Studies on the economic feasibility and market dynamics of biomass energy projects are crucial. This Special Issue includes economic assessments to identify viable pathways for implementation;

Policy Frameworks: The literature on policy and regulatory frameworks for renewable energy and waste management provides a backdrop for the discussion of policy recommendations in this Special Issue.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

Success Stories: Documented case studies of successful biomass energy projects can offer valuable insights. For this Special Issue, we aim to compile and analyze these cases to garner practical lessons and best practices.

By addressing these interconnected themes, the Special Issue seeks to bridge gaps in the existing knowledge, highlight innovative solutions, and promote a holistic approach to biomass energy and sustainable agricultural waste utilization.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Juan F. Saldarriaga
Prof. Dr. Julián E. López
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomass
  • energy
  • agriculture
  • technologies
  • waste utilization

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1515 KiB  
Article
Leveraging Potato Chip Industry Residues: Bioenergy Production and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
by Patrícia V. Almeida, Luís M. Castro, Anna Klepacz-Smółka, Licínio M. Gando-Ferreira and Margarida J. Quina
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5023; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115023 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 383
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a sustainable solution by treating biodegradable waste while recovering bioenergy, enhancing the share of renewable energy. Thus, this study aims to investigate the AD for managing and valorizing residues from the potato chip industry: potato peel (PP), potato offcuts [...] Read more.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a sustainable solution by treating biodegradable waste while recovering bioenergy, enhancing the share of renewable energy. Thus, this study aims to investigate the AD for managing and valorizing residues from the potato chip industry: potato peel (PP), potato offcuts (OC), waste cooking oil (WCO), wastewater (WW), and sewage sludge (SS). In particular, the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of each residue, anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of an AD plant are assessed. WW, OC, and SS present a BMP of around 232–280 NmLCH4/kg of volatile solids (VS). PP and WCO reach a BMP slightly lower than the former substrates (174–202 NmLCH4/gVS). AcoD results in methane yields between 150 and 250 NmLCH4/gVS. An up-scaled anaerobic digester is designed to manage 1.60 Mg/d of PP. A residence time of 12 days and a digester with 165 m3 is estimated, yielding 14 Nm3CH4/MgVS/d. A simulated AD plant integrated with a combined heat and power unit results in a carbon footprint of 542 kg of CO2-eq/Mgdb PP, primarily from biogenic GHG emissions. These findings highlight the potential of AD to generate renewable energy from potato industry residues while reducing fossil fuel-related GHG emissions and promoting resource circularity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization)
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13 pages, 2459 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Biogas and Biomethane Yield from Anaerobic Conversion of Pepper Waste Using Response Surface Methodology
by Chaima Bensegueni, Bani Kheireddine, Amel Khalfaoui, Zahra Amrouci, Maya Ouissem Bouznada and Kerroum Derbal
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2688; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062688 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is a critical method for producing bioenergy from organic waste; however, its efficiency is highly influenced by several factors. This study aimed to enhance the AD process using the removed solid phase generated by the canning plant Amor Benamor (CAB) during [...] Read more.
Anaerobic digestion is a critical method for producing bioenergy from organic waste; however, its efficiency is highly influenced by several factors. This study aimed to enhance the AD process using the removed solid phase generated by the canning plant Amor Benamor (CAB) during the production of harissa. This research sought to identify the optimum pH conditions and inoculum/substrate ratio (I/S) for achieving the maximum biogas production while ensuring a high methane yield, using response surface methodology (RSM) and numerical optimization. The batch anaerobic digestion of pepper waste as a substrate and sewage sludge as an inoculum was conducted. The 11 experimental runs generated by Design Expert Software were conducted in reactors with a capacity of 150 mL and a working volume of 90 mL, under thermophilic conditions. The effects of pH in the range of 7 to 8 and an I/S ratio in the range of 0.167 to 0.5, and their interaction in terms of biogas and methane yield (mL/g VS), were evaluated using a central composite design (CCD). The findings highlighted that a pH of around 7.5 and an I/S ratio of 0.48 could give the highest predicted yield of 884.35 mL/g VS for biogas and 422.828 mL/g VS for methane. These predicted values were confirmed with an experimental validation run which exhibited a deviation of less than 5%. These results offer new opportunities for enhanced biogas production from accumulated waste, contributing to the growth of sustainable energy alternatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization)
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12 pages, 1612 KiB  
Article
Influence of Biomass Amendments on Soil CO2 Concentration and Carbon Emission Flux in a Subtropical Karst Ecosystem
by Zeyan Wu, Weiqun Luo, Zhongcheng Jiang and Zhaoxin Hu
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7883; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187883 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1008
Abstract
Soil in karst areas is rare and precious, and karst carbon sinks play an important role in the global carbon cycle. Therefore, the purpose of karst soil improvement is to improve soil productivity and a carbon sink effect. Biomass amendment experiments in this [...] Read more.
Soil in karst areas is rare and precious, and karst carbon sinks play an important role in the global carbon cycle. Therefore, the purpose of karst soil improvement is to improve soil productivity and a carbon sink effect. Biomass amendment experiments in this study included three schemes: filter mud (FM), filter mud + straw + biogas slurry (FSB), and filter mud + straw + cow manure (FSC). The characteristics of soil CO2 production, transport, and the effect on soil respiration carbon emissions in two years were compared and analyzed. The results were as follows: 1. The rate, amount, and depth of CO2 concentration were affected by the combinations with biogas slurry (easy to leach) or cow manure (difficult to decompose). 2. The diurnal variation curves of soil respiration in the FSB- and FSC-improved soils lagged behind those in the control soil for three hours. While the curves of FM-improved soil and the control soil were nearly the same. 3. Soil–air carbon emissions increased by 35.2 tCO2/(km2·a−1) under the FM scheme, decreased by 212.9 tCO2/(km2·a−1) under the FSB scheme, and increased by 279.5 tCO2/(km2·a−1) under the FSC scheme. The results were related to weather CO2 accumulation in the deep or surface layers under different schemes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization)
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Review

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24 pages, 1360 KiB  
Review
Biomass Ash: A Review of Chemical Compositions and Management Trends
by Izabella Maj, Kamil Niesporek, Piotr Płaza, Jörg Maier and Paweł Łój
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4925; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114925 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
With the increasing global emphasis on renewable energy, the generation of biomass fly ash is anticipated to rise substantially in the coming years. This trend highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to manage and utilize this byproduct sustainably. This study reviews and [...] Read more.
With the increasing global emphasis on renewable energy, the generation of biomass fly ash is anticipated to rise substantially in the coming years. This trend highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to manage and utilize this byproduct sustainably. This study reviews and classifies selected types of biomass ashes, treating them as representative examples that illustrate the wide variability in chemical compositions and physical properties across different biomass sources. These include ashes derived from woody biomass, agricultural residues, animal-origin biomass, and sewage sludge. Biomass ashes exhibit significant heterogeneity compared to coal ashes, which makes understanding their chemical composition—particularly the major components such as calcium (Ca), silicon (Si), and phosphorus (P)—critical for identifying suitable industrial applications. Special categories of ashes with elevated heavy metals and chlorine (Cl) levels are also identified and discussed. This approach enables the identification of sustainable utilization pathways, ranging from traditional uses, such as agricultural fertilizers and construction materials, to emerging applications in advanced engineering materials. Additionally, this paper addresses the assessment and mitigation of potential risks related to hazardous metals in biomass ashes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization)
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30 pages, 2001 KiB  
Review
Research on Methane-Rich Biogas Production Technology by Anaerobic Digestion Under Carbon Neutrality: A Review
by Shiqing Qian, Luming Chen, Sunqiang Xu, Cai Zeng, Xueqi Lian, Zitong Xia and Jintuo Zou
Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041425 - 9 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2999
Abstract
Amid the pressing challenge of global climate change, biogas (marsh gas) has garnered recognition as a clean and renewable energy source with significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable energy production. Composed primarily of methane (CH4) and carbon [...] Read more.
Amid the pressing challenge of global climate change, biogas (marsh gas) has garnered recognition as a clean and renewable energy source with significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable energy production. Composed primarily of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), enhancing the CH4 content in biogas is essential for improving its quality and expanding its high-value applications. This review examines the mechanisms underlying CH4 and CO2 production in anaerobic digestion (AD) processes; investigates the effects of raw material types, process routes, and fermentation conditions on biogas production and CH4 content; and proposes feasible technical pathways for producing CH4-rich biogas. Research indicates that CH4-rich biogas can be produced through various strategies. Raw material pretreatment technologies and co-digestion strategies can enhance substrate performance, stabilize the AD process, and boost CH4 production. Process optimizations, such as multiphase AD and CH4 co-production techniques, significantly improve carbon utilization efficiency. Introducing exogenous reinforcement materials, including biochar and zero-valent iron nanoparticles, fosters microbial interactions and facilitates direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Furthermore, microbial regulation through genetic engineering and microbial community design presents promising prospects. By reviewing the mechanisms of gas production, influencing factors, and feasible pathways, this work aims to provide valuable insights for the technical research of AD to produce CH4-rich biogas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization)
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