scholarly journals Experimental and Techno-Economic Study on the Use of Microalgae for Paper Industry Effluents Remediation

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1314
Author(s):  
Maria I. Silva ◽  
Ana L. Gonçalves ◽  
Vítor J. P. Vilar ◽  
José C. M. Pires
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Paper Industry ◽  
Industrial Effluent ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Co2 Uptake ◽  
Economic Study ◽  
Bioenergy Production ◽  
Legal Limits ◽  
Industry Effluent

Humanity is facing some major global threats, namely lack of environmental sustainability, the energy crisis associated with the unsustainable reliance on fossil fuels, and water scarcity, which will be exacerbated with the rapid growth of urban areas. Researchers have drawn their attention to microalgae, photosynthetic microorganisms known for their environmental applications, such as wastewater remediation and lipids accumulation, to produce third-generation biofuels to solve some of these major issues. Considering this dual role, this study evaluated the potential of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris on nutrient removal from a paper industry effluent and bioenergy production. Firstly, experiments were performed to assess the potential of this microalga to: (i) successfully grow in different concentrations of a paper industry effluent (20% to 100%); and (ii) treat the industrial effluent, reducing phosphorus concentrations to values below the accepted legal limits. Then, a techno-economic assessment was performed to study the viability of a C. vulgaris biorefinery targeting the remediation of a paper industry effluent and bioenergy production. The results have shown that C. vulgaris was able to successfully grow and treat the paper industry effluent. Under these conditions, average biomass productivities determined for this microalga ranged between 15.5 ± 0.5 and 26 ± 1 mg dry weight (DW) L−1 d−1, with maximum biomass concentrations reaching values between 337 ± 9 and 495 ± 25 mg DW L−1 d−1. Moreover, final phosphorus concentrations ranged between 0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.5 ± 0.3 mg P L−1, values below the legal limits imposed by the Portuguese Environment Agency on the paper industry. Regarding the proposal of a microalgal biorefinery for the bioremediation of paper industry effluents with bioenergy production, the techno-economic study demonstrated that six of the seven studied scenarios resulted in an economically-viable infrastructure. The highest net present value (15.4 million euros) and lowest discounted payback period (13 years) were determined for Scenario 3, which assumed a photosynthetic efficiency of 3%, a lipids extraction efficiency of 75%, and an anaerobic digestion efficiency of 45%. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that besides being economically viable, the proposed biorefinery presents several environmental benefits: (i) the remediation of an industrial effluent; (ii) CO2 uptake for microalgal growth, which contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gases emissions; (iii) production of clean and renewable energy; (iv) soil regeneration; and (v) promotion of a circular economy.

scholarly journals Effect of paper industry effluent on enzyme activity and protein profiling of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1910-1915
Author(s):  
Rajat Chaudhary ◽  
Anurag Mishra ◽  
Kapil Kumar ◽  
Sonam Arya
Keyword(s):  
Cicer Arietinum ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Protein Profile ◽  
Paper Industry ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Industrial Effluent ◽  
Maximum Activity ◽  
Protein Profiling ◽  
Cicer Arietinum L ◽  
Industry Effluent

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a legume which is mostly cultivated in India than other countries that can give significant amounts of dietary minerals and protein to humans. The effect of paper industrial effluent on chick-pea (C. arietinum L.) were analysed along with different concentration (10%, 20% 40%, 60% 80% and 100%) and pure tap water as a control to compare the effect of paper industrial effluent for one week. The amount of protein were comparable with control, their amount was increased at 40% in effluent treated seeds. The maximum activity of enzymes was found below 40% level of effluent. In this study protein profile of imbibed seeds, shoot, root and residual cotyledons were examined under the different concentration of effluent. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of total protein showed that the maximum number of protein bands seen in the imbibed seeds whereas minimum number of protein bands observed in the root. SDS-PAGE revealed that less degradation and/or more rapid accumulation of proteins occurred in higher molecular weight proteins. From this study, it is clear that the industrial effluent rich in organic matter and plant nutrients are finding their use in agriculture as the cheaper way of disposal.

Ecosan Can Provide Sustainable Sanitation in Emergency Situations with Benefits for the Millennium Development Goals

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. v. Münch ◽  
G. Amy ◽  
J. F. Fesselet
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Millennium Development Goals ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Value Analysis ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Sanitation Systems

This paper describes the potential of ecological sanitation (ecosan) to provide sustainable excreta disposal in emergency situations and in peri-urban areas or slums in developing countries. At the present time, pit latrines are the most common form of excreta disposal both for emergency situations and in low-income peri-urban areas or slums. Although not intended to be a long-term solution, pit latrines provided during emergencies are often used for a long time (more than six months to years). This practice is not sustainable if the area is prone to flooding or there are soil conditions that allow groundwater pollution in areas where groundwater is used for drinking water, to name but two of the main factors. We propose eight criteria for the applicability of ecosan based on analysis of three case studies representing different types of emergency situations. The two most important criteria are awareness and expertise in ecosan within the aid agencies, and availability of standardised, lightweight toilet units that are quick to assemble and easy to transport (e.g. container for faeces, and urine diversion squatting pan made of impact-resistant molded polypropylene). Such toilets could be moved to, or replicated in, other areas in need after the emergency (peri-urban areas or slums). This would provide benefits for Millennium Development Goals achievements (targets on hunger, child mortality, sanitation and slum dwellers) at lower cost than conventional sanitation systems. Costs for sanitation systems should be compared based on the entire system (toilet, transport, treatment, reuse in agriculture), using Net Present Value analysis for capital, and operating and maintenance costs.

Use of permeable, reservoir pavement constructions for stormwater treatment and storage for re-use

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 145-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Pratt
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Water Environment ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Stormwater Treatment ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Permeable surfaces for roads and footpaths have been used as a means of disposal of stormwater in developed urban areas. Such surfaces provide an alternative to impermeable concrete or tarmacadam surfaces which would otherwise produce rapid stormwater runoff, leading to possible flooding and degeneration of receiving water quality through the uncontrolled discharge of polluted urban waters. A further advantage may be obtained from such constructions by undersealing them so as to retain stormwater for re-use for non-potable uses. The potential for general introduction of this type of storage and re-use system in residential areas is discussed and possible alternative designs for the drainage infrastructure proposed. To have widespread impact such a strategy must deliver cost savings as well as reduce the impact on the water environment of anticipated water usage demands. The source of such cost savings and the general environmental benefits of such systems will be presented. The materials used in such a sealed construction and the beneficial changes to the stored water quality are outlined. Recent work has also shown that where the pavement is used for car parking any oils dropped on the surface and washed into the structure by the stormwater may also be degraded. Details will be given of a site in the UK where the above construction is to be used to provide stormwater storage for re-use in flushing toilets at a Youth Hostel.

Economic study on the export of cape gooseberry produced by Colombian indigenous communities in post-conflict areas to Spain and Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ligia Gomez ◽  
Julian Duran ◽  
Isaias Tobasura
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous People ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Financial Indicators ◽  
Internal Rate Of Return ◽  
Economic Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
Cape Gooseberry

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to estimate and analyze the production and export viability of organic cape gooseberry to Spain, cultivated by indigenous communities in post-conflict areas.Design/methodology/approachBased on interviews with indigenous people who grow organic cape gooseberry in post-conflict areas and information from official platforms, the data are systematized, and a matrix of costs, expenses, productivity and income from the production and export of Cape gooseberry is calculated. Financial indicators of profitability are calculated: net profit, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). Finally, with a regression model, the trend of the behavior of the quantity and cost of Cape gooseberry exports from Colombia to Europe and Spain is estimated.FindingsThe production and export of organic cape gooseberry is profitable for indigenous communities in post-conflict areas, favored by a special price on the European market and by the use of family labor in cultivation, which improves the profitability of the product. Because of these factors, it is likely to become an alternative to partially replace illicit crops in post-conflict areas.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was carried out in conflict areas, so conducting interviews in that territory put the integrity of the researchers at risk.Originality/valueStudies known about organic cape gooseberry production reveal the benefits of the fruit for human health, but not the viability of production and export to Spain. This study demonstrates the financial viability of the production and export of cape gooseberry grown by indigenous people and therefore constitutes an alternative for substituting illicit crops.

scholarly journals Planning of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Urban Areas with Tight Land Supply

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunlin Guo ◽  
Jingjing Yang ◽  
Lin Yang
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Harmonic Distortion ◽  
Land Supply ◽  
Charging Infrastructure ◽  
Gas Stations ◽  
Electric Vehicle Charging ◽  
Energy Equivalence ◽  
Electric Quantity

Motivated by the development of electric vehicles (EVs), this paper addresses the planning of EV charging infrastructures (EVCIs). Considering that the optimal locations for EVCIs in most cities with a tight land supply are difficult to obtain, it is significant to study the planning of EVCIs in such cities. This paper proposes a planning method and model of EVCIs under the condition that alternative locations of centralized charging infrastructures (CCIs) are known. Firstly, based on the principle of energy equivalence, the sales volume of the fuel of gas stations in the planned area is converted into the equivalent electric quantity (EEQ) and the EEQ is divided according to the demands of different EVs for charging. Then, an equal product of the load and distance (EPLD) criterion is used to distribute the EEQ to CCIs and distributed charging infrastructures (DCIs) located in areas for load forecasting. The final plan is given out after checking the constraints and planning rationality. In addition, the net present value (NPV), the average charging distance, and the total harmonic distortion (THD) rate are used to evaluate the planning scheme. Finally, the feasibility and practicability of the proposed method are verified by a case study in Beijing.

Microgrid Viability for Small-Scale Cooling, Heating, and Power

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lubomir A. Ribarov ◽  
David S. Liscinsky
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Dimensional Space ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Public Utility ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Cooling Power ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Micro Grid ◽  
Chp System

Cooling, Heating, and Power (CHP) energy systems provide higher fuel efficiency than conventional systems, resulting in reduced emissions and other environmental benefits. Until recently the focus of CHP system development has been primarily on medium-scale commercial applications in a limited number of market segments where clear value propositions lead to short term payback. Small-scale integrated CHP systems that show promise of achieving economic viability through significant improvements in fuel utilization have received increased attention lately. In this paper the economic potential is quantified for small-scale (micro-grid) integrated CHP systems suitable for groups of buildings with aggregate electric loads in the 15 kW–120 kW range. Technologies are evaluated for community building groups (CBGs) consisting of aggregation of pure residential entities and combined residential and light commercial entities. Emphasis is on determination of the minimum load size (i.e. the smallest electric and thermal load for a given CBG that is supplied with electric, heating, cooling power from a CHP) for which a micro-grid CHP system is both technically and economically viable. In this paper, the operation of the CHP system is parallel with the public utility grid at all times, i.e. the grid is interconnected. Evaluations of CHP technology options using simulation studies in a “three-dimensional” space (CHP technology option, CBG load aggregation, and geographical location in the USA) were evaluated based on comparisons of net present value (NPV). The simulations indicated that as electric load increases, the viability of the CHP system (independent of the system’s size) becomes more favorable. Exceeding a system runtime (utilization) of 70% was shown to pass the break-even line in the NPV analysis. Finally, geographic location was found to have a relatively weak effect on the reported trends. These results suggest that micro grid CHP systems have the potential to be economically viable with relative independence of geographic location if adequately sized to match the load requirements.

Technical-Economic Study of the Esterification Process of Used Vegetable Oils (UVOs) Using Heat Exchange Networks (HENs)

2016 ◽  
Vol 1139 ◽  
pp. 40-45
Author(s):  
María Fernanda Laborde ◽  
Medardo Serna Gonzalez ◽  
Ana María Pagano ◽  
María Cristina Gely
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchange ◽  
Vegetable Oils ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Economic Study ◽  
Exchange Networks ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
The Cost

The objective in this study was to conduct a technical-economic study of the esterification process of used vegetable oils (UVOs) for the production of biodiesel from the point of view of energy savings achieved by implementing heat exchange networks (HENs). Used vegetable oils (UVOs) can be employed as an input in the production of biodiesel by catalytic transesterification. But, previously it is necessary to reduce its level of free fat acids (FFA) by the acid-catalyzed esterification process in order to prevent undesirable saponification reaction. To carrying out an optimal design of the technology required in the process, simulation tools have an important role for process engineering and optimization of resources. Computer programs such as Aspen PlusTM and Aspen Energy AnalyzerTM provide an environment to perform process modeling and network design optimal heat exchange. In this paper, from the Aspen PlusTM simulation of the process of catalytic esterification in acid medium of UVOs, the technical-economic evaluation process was conducted with and without network of heat exchange in order to analyze the different investment options. The comparison of the two projects (with and without the implementation of HENs) was performed by determining the net present value (NPV). On the scale set for the project, the total cost of the equipment of heat exchange for the esterification process designed with HENs was US$ 4,782.50 higher than the corresponding to the process without HENs application. However, it should be noted that the cost of services decreased by 30% annually, and on the other hand, comparing the process, it was observed that the NPV of the HENs process was 29.5% higher, which leads to the conclusion that the project which includes heat exchange networks is technically and economically feasible.

Microgrid Viability for Small-Scale Cooling, Heating, and Power

2006 ◽  
Vol 129 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lubomir A. Ribarov ◽  
David S. Liscinsky
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Dimensional Space ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Electric Heating ◽  
Public Utility ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Cooling Power ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Chp System

Cooling, heating, and power (CHP) energy systems provide higher fuel efficiency than conventional systems, resulting in reduced fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and other environmental benefits. Until recently the focus of CHP system development has been primarily on medium-scale commercial applications in a limited number of market segments where clear value propositions lead to short term payback. Small-scale integrated CHP systems that show promise of achieving economic viability through significant improvements in fuel utilization have received increased attention lately. In this paper the economic potential is quantified for small-scale (microgrid) integrated CHP systems suitable for groups of buildings with aggregate electric loads in the 15-120kW range. Technologies are evaluated for community building groups (CBGs) consisting of aggregation of pure residential entities and combined residential and light commercial entities. Emphasis is on determination of the minimum load size (i.e., the smallest electric and thermal load for a given CBG that is supplied with electric, heating, cooling power from a CHP) for which a microgrid CHP system is both technically and economically viable. In this paper, the operation of the CHP system is parallel with the public utility grid at all times, i.e., the grid is interconnected. Evaluations of CHP technology options using simulation studies in a “three-dimensional” space (CHP technology option, CBG load aggregation, and geographical location in the USA) were evaluated based on comparisons of net present value (NPV). The simulations indicated that as electric load increases, the viability of the CHP system (independent of the system’s size) becomes more favorable. Exceeding a system runtime (utilization) of 70% was shown to pass the break-even line in the NPV analysis. Finally, geographic location was found to have a relatively weak effect on the reported trends. These results suggest that microgrid CHP systems have the potential to be economically viable with relative independence of geographic location if adequately sized to match the specific load requirements.

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