Search Results (115)

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a second-generation biofuel with physicochemical properties similar to conventional diesel. Composed mainly of n-paraffins, it offers favorable autoignition characteristics. Produced by hydrotreating vegetable oils or animal fats, including waste sources such as used cooking oil, HVO contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and waste utilization. Thanks to its similarity to diesel, it can be used directly or in blends without engine modifications. Blending reduces fossil fuel use and pollutant emissions while maintaining engine performance. This study investigates the autoignition behavior of diesel, neat HVO, and HVO–diesel blends containing 25%, 50%, and 75% HVO by volume. Experiments were conducted in a constant-volume combustion chamber at 550 °C and 650 °C to simulate engine-relevant conditions. Autoignition quality was assessed using ignition delay, combustion delay, average and maximum pressure rise rate, maximum pressure rise, apparent heat release rate, and derived cetane number. The results show that higher HVO content increases the sensitivity of ignition delay, combustion delay, and average pressure rise rate to lower chamber temperature. In addition, a linear increase in derived cetane number was observed with increasing HVO concentration, providing new insights into ignition and combustion behavior of renewable fuel blends. Full article

Changes in food consumption are closely related to food production, loss, and waste. Few studies focused on people’s adaptation to climate warming through changes in food consumption quantity. This study examined how climate warming in the current year and the preceding year affects the per capita consumption quantity of 14 food items, identifying both passive and active adaptations. The study employed a dynamic panel data regression model based on annual average daily temperatures from 1985 to 2022 in 30 provinces of China. We found that Chinese residents actively adapted to climate warming by increasing their consumption of pork, mutton, eggs, and beef while decreasing their intake of dairy products, aquatic products, vegetable oil, beans and tubers, and animal fats. They passively adapted to climate warming by increasing their consumption of dried and fresh fruits, aquatic products, vegetable oil, animal fats, poultry, and beans and tubers while decreasing their consumption of grains, pork, dairy products, and beef. Moreover, climate warming drove region and income specific dietary shifts through active and passive adaptations that raise pork eggs grains and oils while cutting beef poultry beans and tubers across South/North and rich/poor areas. These findings will help policymakers achieve the goal of sustainable food consumption by aligning climate, nutrition, and equity targets for resilient food-system transitions. Full article

The REPowerEU plan is aimed at a target of 35 bcm of biomethane annually by 2030, up from 4 bcm in 2023, requiring about EUR 37 billion in investment. Food waste is identified as a key feedstock, characterized by discrete homogeneity, although its availability may vary seasonally. In Italy, the Emilia-Romagna region generates approximately 450 kt/y of industrial waste from the food and beverage sector, primarily originating from meat processing (NACE 10.1), fruit and vegetable processing (NACE 10.3), and the manufacture of vegetable and animal oils and fats (NACE 10.4). Of this amount, food and beverage processing waste (EWC 02) accounts for about 302 kt from NACE 10 (food, year 2019) and 14 kt from NACE 11 (beverage, year 2019). This study provides a comprehensive screening of waste streams generated by the local food and beverage industry in Emilia-Romagna, evaluating the number of enterprises, their value added, and recorded waste production. The screening led to the identification of suitable streams for further valorization strategies: a total of ~93 kt/y was selected for the preliminary conceptual design of an integrated process combining anaerobic digestion with hydrothermal treatment, aimed at supporting national biomethane production targets while maximizing material recovery through hydrochar production. Preliminary estimations indicate that the proposed process may achieve a biochemical methane potential of approximately 0.23 Nm³/kg_VS, along with a hydrochar yield of about 130 kg/t_waste. Full article

Waste animal fat (WAF) can be converted to distillate fractions similar to petroleum solvents and used as solvents via pyrolysis and fractional distillation. Pyrolysis oil from triglyceride materials presents adequate viscosity and volatility, compared to petroleum fuels, but shows acid values between 60–140 mg KOH/g, impeding its direct use as biofuels without considerable purification of its distillates. Fractional distillation can be applied for the purification of bio-oil, but only a few studies accurately describe the process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature in the conversion of waste animal fat into fuel-like fractions by pyrolysis and fractional distillation in a semi-batch stirred bed reactor (2 L) according to reaction time. Waste animal fat was extracted (rendering) from disposed meat cuts obtained from butcher shops and pyrolyzed in a stainless-steel stirred bed reactor operating in semi-batch mode at 400–500 °C. The obtained liquid fraction was separated according to reaction time. The pyrolysis bio-oil at 400 °C was separated into four distinct fractions (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and heavy phase) by fractional distillation with reflux. The bio-oil and distillate fractions were analyzed by density, kinematic viscosity, acid value, and chemical composition by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectra (GC-MS). The results show that, for semi-batch reactors with no inert gas flow, higher temperature is associated with low residence time, reducing the conversion of fatty acids to hydrocarbons. The distillate fractions were tested in a common application not sensible to the fatty acid concentration as a diluent in the preparation of diluted asphalt cutback for the priming of base pavements in road construction. Kerosene and diesel fractions can be successfully applied in the preparation of asphalt cutbacks, even with a high acid value. Full article

The demand for clean energy to improve waste valorization and enhance resource utilization efficiency has been increasingly recognized in the last few years. In this context, the co-carbonization of different waste streams, aiming at solid fuel production, appears as a potential strategy to address the challenges of the energy transition and divert waste from landfills. In this work, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) samples were subjected to the co-carbonization process with low-quality animal fat waste in different proportions to assess the synergistic effect of the mixture on producing chars with enhanced fuel properties. Dry (DC) and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) tests were conducted at 425 °C and 300 °C, respectively, with a residence time of 30 min. The RDF sample and produced chars with different animal fat incorporation were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and fuel properties. The results demonstrated that increasing the fat proportion in the samples leads to an increase in mass yield and apparent density of the produced chars. Furthermore, char samples with higher fat addition presented a proportional increase in high heating value (HHV). The highest values for the HHV corresponded to the char samples produced with 30% fat incorporation for both carbonization techniques (27.9 MJ/kg and 32.9 MJ/kg for dry and hydrothermal carbonization, respectively). Fat addition also reduced ash content, improved hydrophobicity in hydrochars, and lowered ignition temperature, although additional washing was necessary to reduce chlorine to acceptable levels. Furthermore, fat incorporation reduced concentrations of elements linked to slagging and fouling. Overall, the results demonstrate that incorporating 30% fat into RDF during DC or HTC is the most effective condition for producing chars with improved physical, chemical, and fuel properties, enhancing their potential as alternative solid fuels. Full article

Contemporary climate challenges and energy security issues once again demonstrate that the transition to alternative motor fuels is a key and priority task for ensuring sustainable development in European Union countries, as well as in Ukraine. This review provides a comparative analysis of the physical, chemical, and performance properties of biodiesel fuels derived from 17 lipid-based feedstocks, including vegetable oils, animal fats, food industry waste, and microalgae. This study investigates the influence of fatty acid composition and transesterification alcohol type on key fuel properties, including density, viscosity, cetane number, pour point, heat value, and flash point. The results show that biodiesel fuels with a high content of saturated fatty acids exhibit higher cetane numbers and energy content, while biodiesel fuels with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids possess improved viscosity and cold flow properties. Camelina, rapeseed, and used cooking oil are identified as being particularly promising feedstocks based on their performance and availability in the European and Ukrainian dimensions. These findings are supported by a SWOT analysis and cost–benefit comparison, providing practical insights into the feasibility and scalability of biodiesel production pathways. Full article

The windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta) is common in coastal areas of the Philippines, thriving in brackish waters. Its shells underpin the local craft industries. While its meat is edible, only small amounts are consumed locally, most going to waste. Utilization of this potential nutrient source is hindered by the lack of information concerning its organic and mineral content, the possible presence of heavy metal ions, and the risk of microbial pathogens. We report extensive analysis of the meat from Placuna placenta, harvested during three different seasons to account for potential variations. This comprises proximate analysis, mineral, antioxidant, and microbial analyses. While considerable seasonal variation was observed, the windowpane oyster was found to be a rich source of protein, fats, minerals, and carbohydrates, comparing well with the meats of other shellfish and land animals. Following pre-cooking (~90 °C, 25–30 min), the standard local method for food preparation, no viable E. coli or Salmonella sp. were detected. Mineral content was broadly similar to that reported in fish, although iron, zinc, and copper were more highly represented, nevertheless, heavy metals were below internationally acceptable levels, with the exception of one of three samples, which was slightly above the only current standard, FSANZ. Whether the arsenic was in the safer organic form, which is commonly the case for shellfish, or the more toxic inorganic form remains to be established. This and the variation of arsenic over time will need to be considered when developing food products. Overall, the meat of the windowpane oyster is a valuable food resource and its current (albeit low-level) use should lower any barriers to its acceptance, making it suitable for commercialization. The present data support its development for high-value food products in urban markets. Full article

The main disadvantages of using soybean oil extraction waste as a raw feed material are its high contents of fiber, fat, and anti-nutritional factors. Therefore, several processing methods such as extrusion and hydrolysis are used to overcome these disadvantages and increase the availability of high-quality proteins to animals from this by-product. This study is concerned with the hydrolysis of extruded soybean meal in the presence of bacterial alkaline proteases. The effects of various process parameters were investigated to determine the optimal process parameters for hydrolysis in terms of the total free amino acid and amine nitrogen contents. The experiment included two sets of parameters that were selected for comparison: the temperature and pH in ranges of t 45–50 °C, pH 8–11, compared to the temperature and pH ranges of t = 40–45 °C and pH 7–9, using three enzyme/substrate ratios (1:10, 1:20, and 1:30). The protein hydrolysate was stored for three months after it was treated with two different preservatives (sorbic acid and thymol). Based on the results, it was found that the total free amino acid content was higher when the temperature range was 45–50 °C, the pH range was 8–11, and sorbic acid was used as a preservative. Full article

Biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil (WCO) and animal fats is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering environmental benefits and renewable energy potential. However, a detailed understanding of its combustion characteristics at the droplet scale is essential for optimizing its practical application. This study investigates the combustion behavior of biodiesel–diesel blends (B5, B10, B15, B20, B25, B50, B75) and neat fuels (B0 and B100) by analyzing combustion rates, pre-ignition time, burning time, droplet morphology, and puffing characteristics. The results demonstrate that biodiesel concentration strongly influences combustion dynamics. Higher blends (B50, B75) exhibit enhanced steady combustion rates due to increased oxygen availability, while lower blends (B5–B25) experience stronger puffing events, leading to greater secondary droplet formation. The global combustion rate follows a non-linear trend, peaking at B10, decreasing at B25, and rising again at B50 and B75. Pre-ignition time increases with biodiesel content, while burning time exhibits an inverse relationship with combustion rate. Four distinct puffing mechanisms were identified, with lower blends producing finer secondary droplets and higher blends forming larger droplets. Puffing characteristics were evaluated based on puffing occurrences, intensity, and effectiveness, revealing that puffing peaks at B25 in occurrence and at B10 in intensity, while higher blends (B50, B75) exhibit notable puffing effectiveness. This study addresses a critical research gap in droplet-scale combustion of WCO and animal fat-derived biodiesel across a wide range of blend ratios (B5–B75). The findings provide key insights for optimizing biodiesel formulations to improve fuel spray atomization, ignition stability, and combustion efficiency in spray-based combustion systems, such as diesel engines, gas turbines, and industrial burners, bridging fundamental research with real-world applications. Full article

The equipment of refineries and oil production facilities is subject to corrosion due to the supply of crude oils with a high content of mineralized water. The use of inhibitors is one of the most common corrosion protection methods. However, increasing requirements of environmental standards give impetus to developing new types of corrosion inhibitors from natural raw materials. The article deals with the synthesis conditions of new corrosion inhibitors (CIs) produced from distilled higher acids of beef fat (DHFAs) or vegetable oils (VO), as well as research on the protective effect of the synthesized corrosion inhibitors compared with industrial inhibitors (5 samples). The gravimetric method studied the protective effect in a solution of salts and jet fuel using a St20 steel plate. At 50 °C and a CIs content of 100 ppm, the protective effect of corrosion inhibitors based on VO and triethanolamine was 9.7–75.6%. Under similar conditions, CIs obtained from DHFAs and diaminoethyl exhibited a protective effect of 81.6–94.1%. When DHFAs and diethanolamine were used to synthesize CIs, the protective effect was 93.0–95.6%. CI synthesized at 130 °C and a DHFAs: diethanolamine ratio of 72:28 showed a 99.2% protective effect at 50 °C and a CI content of 200 ppm, which was higher or equal to the impact of using industrial inhibitors (91.6–99.5%). The results prove the possibility of alternative use of animal fats and waste from their production as new resources for obtaining highly effective equipment corrosion inhibitors. Using alternative inexpensive raw materials (fats, vegetable oils, waste from their output) to obtain CIs will improve the economic performance of inhibitor production. In addition, at least the fatty (oil) part of organic CIs is biodegradable and will not harm the environment. Full article

Oil cakes are biomass wastes created by pressing oil from oilseeds. Their chemical composition (including high fat or protein content, a favorable fatty acid profile, and a high proportion of unsaturated acids) makes them valuable raw materials not only in animal feeding but are increasingly gaining popularity in biotechnological processes. This article examines the possibility of valorizing oil cakes using the lipid fraction extracted from them or their raw form in a two-pot biosynthesis process of GDDL—a cyclic ester with a creamy-peach aroma. This study tested five types of oil cakes (hemp seeds, rapeseed, safflower, camelina, and flax), analyzing their physicochemical composition and the fatty acid profile of their lipid fraction. Due to the high content of oleic acid (over 62% lipid fraction) and the wide availability, rapeseed cake was used in the biotransformation process. The synthesis of GDDL involved a three-step process: hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, hydration of oleic acid (via lactic acid bacteria in anaerobic conditions), and β-oxidation (via Yarrowia yeast, aerobic process). The analysis showed that it is possible to produce because of the two-pot biotransformation of approximately 1.7 g of GDDL/dm³. These results highlight the process’s potential and justify the feasibility of waste valorization. The proposed biotransformation requires optimization and is a good example of the application of the circular economy in food processing and waste management. Full article

In response to increasing food waste and the necessity for sustainable resource utilization, this study evaluated the effectiveness of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in converting a mixture of coffee and meat residues into protein-rich meal suitable for animal feed. A two-component mixture design optimized the substrate composition, followed by model validation and a comprehensive nutritional characterization of the larvae-derived protein. The larval meal contained 30–39 g of protein per 100 g (dry basis). The results indicated that increasing the meat residue content to 35% in the substrate maximized the protein yield. The optimized larval meal contained 52.9 g of protein per 100 g (dry basis) and favorable parameters such as moisture and fat, demonstrating a nutrient profile suitable for aquaculture feed. These findings suggested that Hermetia illucens larvae could convert agro-industrial by-products into high-quality protein. Coffee and meat residues served as suitable substrates for larval growth, supporting proper metabolic development and yielding a high bioconversion rate. This work contributes to the constant efforts in food waste valorization by integrating nutrient recovery processes into circular economy principles. Full article

Technical albumen (TA) is liquid waste from egg processing enterprises and occupies a share of 10–15% of the waste. Proteins have the property at the isoelectric point of weakening their repulsive forces. This property is the basis of a TA recovery method using pretreatment to reduce moisture before drying. In this study, we present the results of a TA processing method using two types of citric and phosphoric acids based on thermal–acid coagulation as an alternative to spray drying. By analyzing physicochemical and microbiological indicators, the raw TA and the finished product are described. In this study, the characteristics of raw TA and its final product are presented. TA contains mainly water, fat, and protein, including all essential amino acids, all of the proteins of the egg white, and some of the yolk. Initially, TA is significantly microbiologically contaminated. A better yield was obtained when using citric acid 97.79% instead of phosphoric acid. The final dried egg product from TA has a protein content of 46% and a fat content of 33%. The dried egg products undergo changes in the lipid and protein fraction during storage, but the values remain low TBARS to 4 mg MDA/kg. Microbiological contamination has decreased due to a decrease in water activity to a level that meets the requirements of European legislation for the processing of animal by-products (ABPs) and uses as feed. Full article

The growing interest in a plant-based diet leads to the search for new sources of protein in the human diet as an alternative to animal proteins. Plant materials that can supplement protein as additives in food products are being studied. Watermelon seeds (Citrillus lanatus L.) are rich in proteins and waste from the food industry; however, their extraction is not completely cost-free, and the flour production process may involve additional costs related to their extraction and processing. The studies showed that watermelon seed protein concentrate, obtained using the alkaline extraction method, contained 82.52 g/100 g of protein and 1.51 g/100 g of fat. The polyphenol content in the protein preparation from defatted watermelon seeds was 1.9 mg gallic acid/g, and the antioxidant activity of the concentrate was 29.26 µmol Trolox/g (by the ABTS+). The obtained watermelon seed protein concentrate was characterised by solubility of more than 80% (at pH = 10), water absorption at the level of 2.46 (g water/g) and oil absorption equal to 2.1 (ml oil/g), showed poor foaming properties (1.51%), and was characterised by low emulsification. Full article

The use of biofuels is one way to reduce the increasingly visible harmful effects of diesel engines on the environment. At the same time, it is also a way to gradually reduce dependence on depleting oil resources. New sources for biodiesel production are currently being sought out. The authors of this article have produced esters from animal fat waste, obtaining a biofuel that can power diesel engines while obtaining a way to manage unnecessary waste. For this to be possible, it is necessary to confirm the possibility of using such biofuel to power compression ignition engines. To this end, it is moribund to conduct experimental tests on an engine dynamometer. The results of such studies made it possible to determine how such esters affect the parameters of the combustion process, which was the goal of the authors of this paper. In order to determine the effect of this biofuel on the parameters of the combustion process, indicator graphs of the pressure course in the engine cylinder were recorded. On their basis, heat release characteristics were drawn up and their most important indicators were determined. In addition, the parameters of the indicator charts were determined, such as the maximum pressure and the degree of its build-up during the combustion process. These tests were carried out on a Perkins 1104D-E44TA compression ignition engine, which is widely used in the construction industry as well as in agriculture. In order to be able to compare these results with diesel fuel, the same tests, under the same conditions, were carried out while feeding the engine with diesel fuel. It is worth noting that the tested esters were produced using a reactor designed and built by one of the co-authors of this publication. This reactor is used for the non-industrial production of biofuels from oils of various origins. Studies have shown that feeding the engine with esters results in an increase in the maximum fuel consumption of about 15%. This is dependent on the load and speed. Indicator graphs and their analysis indicated that feeding the engine with esters at lower loads results in higher maximum combustion pressures, depending on the engine load, compared to diesel fuel values by a maximum of about 10%. The calculated values of the degree of pressure increase during the combustion process showed that feeding the engine with esters at most loads results in an increase of up to 40% maximum. This is especially the case for a speed of 2200 rpm. In the case of parameters related to heat release characteristics, the relationship is the opposite, and feeding the engine with esters compared to diesel fuel results in higher maximum amounts and rates of heat release. These values are higher for esters from 20 to 40%. In addition, the percentage burnout of the fuel dose confirmed the information found in other publications that feeding the engine with biofuels causes faster combustion compared to diesel. Full article