ENHANCING BIO-OILS PRODUCTION AND BIO-PRODUCTS UTILIZATION FROM FOREST WASTES OF THE URBAN AND RURAL INTERFACE IN LOUISIANA

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: EVANS-ALLEN
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1021141
• Project Start Date: Nov 8, 2019
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2022
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
SOUTHERN UNIV
(N/A)
BATON ROUGE,LA 70813

Performing Department
Urban Forestry & Natural Resouce Management

Non Technical Summary
This project uses forest wood wastes to produce biobased products, including bio-oil for bioenergy production and develop different types of biochars for agricultural and forestry utilization. This project focuses on biobased products that are defined as a commercial or industrial product, other than food or feed that consists primarily of raw agricultural materials or wastes or forestry materials. Examples of biobased products include polymers, lubricants, solvents, composites, and energy. This project seeks to build a scientific knowledge base from which to use agricultural and forestry materials more fully and effectively in nonfood products. It also seeks to improve their competitive value and quality. This project is addressing the challenges of the emerging biobased industry with potential solutions that would support research, development, and pre-commercialization activities. Biobased products and relevant processing technologies from this project are expected to expand the role of agriculture in a number of ways. The project outcomes and outputs would offer new areas of focus for agricultural research, new business opportunities, economic development in rural areas, crop diversification, and environmental and performance advantages over traditional industrial products. The overall goal of this project is to develop new technology for bio-oil and biochar production from urban-rural interface forest waste and to utilize the products for enhancing energy and productivity of Louisiana Agriculture & Forestry sectors. The specific objectives are:1. Quantifying forest waste potential availability for bio-oil and bio-char production and utilization in urban and rural interface in Louisiana.i. Quantifying potential urban forest waste and availability for Bio-oil in Louisiana.ii. Scaling up individual tree estimates to the State and regional scales and quantifying potential annual yield from urban and rural interface.2. Utilization of a transformative technology for simultaneous production and upgrading of bio-oil from urban and rural forest waste,3. Quantify and analyze the resulting streams, optimize the process, and perform Life Cycle Analysis,4. Economic analysis and impact assessment, and5. Biochar soil Amendment application and utilization assessment.

Animal Health Component

100%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

0%

Applied

100%

Developmental

0%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
123	0699	1070	100%

Knowledge Area
123 - Management and Sustainability of Forest Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0699 - Trees, forests, and forest products, general;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;

Keywords

urban and rural forest

bioenergy

bio-oil

biochar

biofuel

wood waste and bioproduct,

Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to develop newtechnology for bio-oil and biochar production from urban-rural interface forest waste and to utilize the products for enhancing energy and productivity of Louisiana Agriculture & Forestry sectors. The specific objectives are:1. Quantifying forest waste potential availability for bio-oil and bio-char production and utilization in urban and rural interface in Louisiana.i. Quantifying potential urban forest waste and availability for Bio-oil in Louisiana.ii. Scaling up individual tree estimates to the State and regional scales and quantifying potential annual yield from urban and rural interface.2. Utilization of a transformative technology for simultaneous production and upgrading of bio-oil from urban and rural forest waste,3. Quantify and analyze the resulting streams, optimize the process, and perform Life Cycle Analysis,4. Economic analysis and impact assessment, and5. Biochar soil Amendment application and utilization assessment.

Project Methods
Themethodology are as follows:Objective 1. Quantifying forest waste potential availability for bio-oil and bio-char production and utilization in urban and rural interface in Louisiana. (PD and Co-PDs).Objective 1(i). Quantifying urban tree biomass in Louisiana. Statewide assessment of standing urban and rural interface forest wood waste will be conducted. Urban and rural interface tree wood biomass estimation measurements of trees and stumps on 500 plots in 100 randomly selected plots in the study area according to the USDA-FS protocol (i-Tree model) will be used to estimate urban and rural interface tree biomass. Using a general, composite equation that combines the variety of species occurring in urban areas together into a single predictive equation with species-specific adjustments is considered superior to using many different equations for different species derived from different sources (Nowak, D.J., et.al., 2001). Objective 1 (ii). Scaling up individual tree estimates to the State and regional scales and quantifying potential annual yield from urban trees.Tree biomass estimates (t ha-1) will be scaled up to the regional landscape scale by expandingneighborhood estimates to the total land area estimated in an urban condition. Two common methods will be utilized for urban area estimation: (1) use political boundaries such as city limits or census districts and include any trees or forests in urban zones (Nowak, D.J., et.al., 2002) or (2) use classified satellite images to estimate urban areas remotely (Fang, S., et.al., 2006). Urban treed areas for this study will be computed using a U.S. Census Bureau definition of urban area (http://www.census.gov/geo/www/ua/ua_bdfile.html) and percent urban tree cover for Louisiana (Nowak, D.J., et.al., 2002). In order to calculate the potential availability of urban wood biomass on an annual basis, it is necessary to estimate the rate at which urban trees would become available for utilization.Objective 2. Utilization of a transformative technology for simultaneous production and upgrading of bio-oil from urban and rural forest waste. In collaboration with LSU and assisted by graduate assistants.).Experimental MethodsPyrolysis vapors will be upgraded over HZSM-5 catalyst surface. A Na-ZSM-5 catalyst will be purchased from a Zeolyst International, (PA, USA). The sodium form of ZSM-5 catalyst will be converted to Hydrogen form by calcining in air for 5 hours according to the procedure described by (Jacobs and van Santen, 1989). Pyrolysis and upgrading experiments will be conducted in two separate reactors. The biomass will be pyrolyzed in a 5kW RDO induction heater (pyrolysis in a steel reactor with metallic auger) operating at a frequency (frequency range 35-100 kHz) (RDO Induction LLC, Washington, NJ), while the upgrading reactor will be carried out in a packed catalyst bed microwave heater. Subsequently, we will add hydrogen in the flow stream at several pressures in order to test if its addition further enhances the bio-oil quality. The gases will be condensed using ice bath and the liquid samples will be collected, labelled and stored in the freezer for further analysis. The incondensable gasses exiting the system will be sampled and then vented into a gas-powered generator to provide electricity (see preliminary gas composition). The effect of different types and thickness of insulation will be evaluated with respect to increased energy efficiency and the effect it has on the process performance and product quality. The insulation will be tested for both the induction-based pyrolysis and the electromagnetic-based upgrading process.Objective 3. Quantify and analyze the resulting streams, optimize the process, and perform Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). In collaboration with LSU and assisted by graduate assistants.The resulting processing streams will be analyzed to determine the overall viability of the biofuel production process using urban forest waste feedstocks. Mass and energy balances will form the basis of this analysis; results from this analysis will be used to optimize the biofuel production process. Optimization methods such as response surface analysis will provide a set of processing characteristics (based on material flows and/or unit operation settings) that will result in optimal biofuel yield. After process optimization, an economic analysis will be conducted to determine the breakeven point for the process (the point at which the cost of producing biofuel is the same as the cost to produce it). A rate of return analysis can also be performed to determine the economic viability of the process based on the size of the operation. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will also be performed in conjunction with the economic analysis and mass and energy balances.Objective 4. Economic analysis and Impact Assessment (PD and Co-PDs)Economic analysis will include estimation of capital and operational costs of a commercial-size biomass and biofuel production facility as well as the economic impacts of such a facility on the area economy. Minimum volume throughput required to be economically viable will be estimated taking both facility capital and operating costs, as well as feedstock acquisition and transport costs, into account. Operational or variable production costs (which vary in total amount in direct proportion to the quantity produced) would be estimated for three basic cost categories: feedstock acquisition, feedstock transportation and non-feedstock variable operating costs. It is also important to identify the most suitable feedstock for a specified region (TW and EC are suitable for most of LA and many regions in South Central US) due to a variety of agronomic or economic reasons. Production/acquisition costs will be estimated on a per unit basis for TT seeds. Production costs will include the harvesting/collecting costs per hour and unit. Conversion rates from feedstock to biofuel will be utilized to develop feedstock cost/gal of biofuel produced.Objective 5. Biochar Soil Amendment Application and Utilization Assessment: (PD and Co-PDs) Biochar Utilization Experiments: (Greenhouse Experiment)For investigating the role of mycorrhizal fungi when biochar is added to soil in detail, our study will pursue the subsequent objectives: i) to assess the effect of biochar amendment on biomass production and nutrient uptake of live oak saplings of chemical fertilizers; ii) to compare the effect of biochar source (woods from 4 different tree species); iii) to study influence of fungi when soil P retention is high and a P-fertilizer of low availability is added.Experimental DesignA factorial design (5×2×2) will be as used by a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 replications. The three factors will be: i) biochar amendment, including 5 types [no amendment, addition of Bx1, addition of Bx2; addition of Bx3, and Bx 4. Dose of biochar will be constant at 10 t ha-1 (biochar will be deployed in the first compartment)]; ii) fungi presence, including 2 levels (M0, no mycorrhizal inoculum will be added, M1,mycorrhizal inoculum will be added); and iii) phosphate-fertilizer addition, including two levels (P0, no phosphate addition, P1, addition of phosphate fertilizer 70 ha-1). Ectomycorrhizal fungi will be used as mycorrhizal treatment.

Progress 10/01/20 to 09/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audienceincludes scientists, extension agents, and practitioners in the fields of forestry, natural resources, and agriculture; public, private and industrial partners; college level students and high school students; professional state and national societies in forestry and natural resources, etc. Changes/Problems:The former project director Dr. Kamran Abdollahi suddenly passed away on March 4, 2021. Southern University Ag Center has requested and the NIFA has approved to appoint Dr. Zhu Ning as the PD. The on-going COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Dr. Ning initiated two new research trainings for students: "Quantifying forest waste potential availability for bio-oil and bio-char production and utilization in urban and rural interface" and "Relationship among woody biomass, forest fire, biochar and bioenergy". She guided students to conduct literature reviews, explore research methodology, and developdoctoral research proposals. Dr. Yaw trains his students to conduct their master's degree research on "Bioenergy: Promoting Efficient Conversion of Agricultural Biomass into Sustainable Renewable Energy" and "Impacts of biochar application on soil processes, properties and activities". Their research aims to identify agricultural land cover uses for energy growing crops, determine the main agricultural biomass used for renewable energy production, and analyze the benefits and impact of agricultural biomass conversion into biofuels. In collaboration with aLouisiana high school science teacher, a presentation wasdeveloped and deliveredto high school students in EBR Readiness Superintendent Academy. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project team of faculty and students published a peer reviewed journal article. The scientific presentation was made at the 2020 Society of American Foresters National Convention. The Biochar soil amendment initiative was implemented in Louisiana in collaboration with Exxon - a national company, and Baton Rouge Green- a nonprofit organization. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The project team plans to overcome the COVID-19 Pandemic impacts and project personnel change (the former project director passed away), the project will continue the work as stated in the plan of work to achieve the goals and objectives. We will continue to trainand equip students with solid researchand applied skills in bio-oil and bio-productsareas .The project faculty will continue to conduct research, publish the results, and assist stakeholders in utilizing the research results in their practices for economic gains.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The project director/principal investigator(PD/PI) Dr. Zhu Hua Ning leads the biochar soil amendment application and utilization assessment. The team examined the effects of biochar as soil amendment on photosynthesis and shoot growth of Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana). Biochar was applied as soil amendment under the Live Oaks in a field experiment. A complete randomized block design was employed with four replications of the six biochar treatments - 0% biochar, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. Data on net photosynthesis (Ps) were obtained using the LI-COR 6400 Portable Ps System. Shoot elongation was measured. Data were analyzed with SAS using a mixed analysis of variance model where treatment was the fixed effect and block was the random effect. Results showed that 20% and 25% biochar soil amendment increased Live Oak Ps rate significantly; the highest Ps rate was with 25% biochar treatment. Shoot growth was significantly increased after soil was treated by 15% to 30% biochar, with the highest at 25% biochar content. The result indicated that the optimal biochar application as soil amendment is 25%. The research contributes to promote wood waste recycling, biochar utilization, and soil nutrient management. The project co-investigator/(Co-PI) Dr. Yaw Twumasi and his graduate students havebeen conducting research to quantify biomass potential availability for bio-oil and bio-char production and utilization. The research extended to the biomass from agricultural crops in southern states such as Mississippi. Relative measures, time series graphs and descriptive statistics coupled with geographic information systems (GIS) mapping using ArcMap were employed to generate the outcome of this research. Statistical analysis indicated that corn and soybeans were the most produced crops in Agricultural Districts 10 and 40. These districts produced more bioenergy crops than the other districts. GIS mapping results also showed that the potential area for bioenergy crops is in zone 131 of the Mississippi Land Resource Area (MLRA). This zone has an absolute advantage in the production of these crops which includes the diversity of biomass production such as corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat, rice, barley, grain sorghum, canola, camelina, algae, hardwoods, and softwood. The research team recommends a constant GIS mapping and land management systemfor each agricultural district in Mississippi to enable researchers and farmers to determine the factors which contribute towards the increasing and decreasing trends in the production of the bioenergy crops.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Twumasi, Y.A., Merem, E.C., Namwamba, J.B., Annan, J.B., Ayala-Silva, T., Asare-Ansah, A.B., Ning, Z.H., Oppong, J., Loh, P.M., Frimpong, D.B., Owusu, F., Mjema, J.E., Okwemba, R., Mwakimi, O.S., Petja, B.M., Akinrinwoye, C.O., McClendon-Peralta, J. and Mosby, H.J. (2021) Land Resource Areas and Spatial Analysis of Potential Location of Bioenergy Crops Production in Mississippi. Journal of Sustainable Bioenergy Systems, 11, 187-214. https://doi.org/10.4236/jsbs.2021.114013
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Abdollahi K. 2021. Innovative Approaches in Urban Forestry to Enhance the Environmental and Community Health Around the World. Journal of Forestry, 119(2).

Progress 11/08/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience include, scientists, extension agents, professionals,practitioners, and industrial partnersin the fields of forestry, natural resources, arboriculture, soil conservation, urban forestry, urban agriculture, horticulture, and other agricultural fields. In addition, other related public, private and industrial partners were reachedthrough our team efforts and collaborations. Many college level minority students in the fields of agriculture, forestry, natural resources,engineering and STEMwere reached. Several rural and urban municipalities in Louisiana were reached. Professional Stateand National Societies in forestry and natural resources were reached. Decision makers and managers in agriculture, forestry and natural resources were also reached through virtual online platforms. Due to shutdown resulting fromCOVID-19 pandemicsometarget audiences were not effectively reached through our virtual platforms. Changes/Problems:The ongooing COVID-19 pandemic has been posing several challenges and has negatively impacted our laboratory indoor operations. These challenges have caused significant delays in chemical and bio-oil analysis. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project provided several training and professional development opportunities utilizing the Southern University (SU) and Louisiana State University (LSU) extension programs, the Society of American Foresters (SAF), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA),1890 Institutions, and many other professional societies.SUBioenergy and Biochar Innovation initiative was selected and recognized at the "Emerging Researchers in STEM National Convention sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Washington DC in Feb 2020". Five (5) graduate students receivedawards. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project team utilized virtual online platforms to present papers, seminars, and training workshops to disseminate the results and progress to communities of interest.TheBio-char utilizationwas featured in Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality "DISCOVER" Publication in June 2020TheBiochar soil amendment initiative has been implemented in urban and rural areas in Louisiana in collaboration with local, state and national partners.Two scientific presentations were made at the Society of American Foresters National Virtual Convention.Four articles were published. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The project team is planning to complete several objectives outlined in the project goals and objectives. Some of which will include: 1. Quantifying forest waste potential availability for bio-oil and bio-char production and utilization in urban and rural interface in Louisiana. i. Quantifying potential urban forest waste and availability for Bio-oil in Louisiana. ii. Scaling up individual tree estimates to the State and regional scales and quantifying potential annual yield from urban and rural interface. 2. Utilization of a transformative technology for simultaneous production and upgrading of bio-oil from urban and rural forest waste, 3. Quantify and analyze the resulting streams, optimize the process, and perform Life Cycle Analysis, 4. Economic analysis and impact assessment, and 5. Biochar soil Amendment application and utilization assessment.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The project team completed two objectives including the quantification of the forest waste potential availability for bio-oil and bio-char production and utilization in urban and rural interface in Louisiana. Geographic Information system (GIS) and Remote Sensing are being utilized to further the quantification process. Potential urban forest waste and availability for bio-oil in Louisiana was quantified.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Abdollahi K. 2020. Southern University promotes green infrastructure and use of biochar for pollution reduction. In Discover LADEQ. Issue Number 101. Pages 10-11. https://www.deq.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/DiscoverDEQ/2020/DiscoverDEQNewsletter-Issue101-June2020.pdf
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Abdollahi, K. 2019. Biochar Production From Urban Forest Wood Waste and Utilization as Soil ... 1 Arboricultural Consultant " volume 52 issue 4 2019.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Abdollahi K. 2020. Innovative Approaches in Urban Forestry to Enhance the Environmental and Community Health Around the World. SAF 2020 Virtual National Convention. Presentation and Paper No 253.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Falodun Olushola. 2020. Impact of Biochar Soil Amendment on Soil Carbon Dioxide Flux and Shoot Growth of Live Oak Saplings in Louisiana. Dissertation published and archived in ProQuest. Dissertation Chair: Dr. Kamran Abdollahi