About Book

Biomass is organic matter which is produced from living organisms, mainly from plants. It is a renewable and sustainable source of energy used to create electricity or other forms of power. It is used in two ways, either directly or by converting it into biofuel. Biomass has traditionally been used as fuel for energy production in the form of wood, charcoal or animal waste. A basic distinction is made between unprocessed primary biofuels, such as fuel wood, and processed secondary biofuels. The latter include liquid biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which have increasingly been used for transport in the last few years. Biomass offers other significant environmental and consumer benefits, including improving forest health, protecting air quality, and offering the most dependable renewable energy source. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts in the field of biomass. It aims to provide the readers with thorough knowledge about this subject. It deals with biomass adsorbent, non-edible biomass sources, adsorption, raw material, densification and biomass energy conversion. Through this book, we attempt to further enlighten the readers about the various techniques and technologies associated with this field. Different approaches, evaluations and methodologies have been included in it. This book attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under the discipline of biomass and how such concepts have practical applications. This book is an essential guide for graduates post-graduates and researchers in this field.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Biomass as an Alternative for Gas Production...................................1

Abstract...................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................2

2. Biomass as an energy source..............................................................2

3. Biomass conversion technologies.....................................................10

4. Biomethanization process..................................................................13

5. Opportunities for bio-based economy (green natural gas)........16

6. Conclusion............................................................................................17

Acknowledgments...............................................................................17

Chapter 2 Biomass Blending and Densification: Impacts on Feedstock Supply and Biochemical Conversion Performance ........................................22

Abstract.................................................................................................22

1. Introduction..........................................................................................23

2. Addressing feedstock supply challenges.......................................25

3. Impact of blending and densification on pretreatment processes

in biochemical conversion pathways..............................................30

4. Summary...............................................................................................39

Acknowledgements.............................................................................39

Chapter 3 Above‐Ground Biomass Estimation with High Spatial Resolution Satellite Images.........................................................................................46

Abstract ................................................................................................46

1. Introduction..........................................................................................47

2. Case study............................................................................................51

Acknowledgements.............................................................................64

Abbreviations.......................................................................................64

Chapter 4 Biomass as Raw Material for Production of High‐Value

Products.......................................................................................................74

Abstract ...............................................................................................74

1. Introduction..........................................................................................75

2. Top value ‐ added products from biomass...................................75

3. Parameters affecting the product yield..........................................78

4. Comparison of various types of biomass materials for

high‐yielding value‐added products...............................................89

Chapter 5 Adsorption of Heavy Metal onto the Materials Prepared by

Biomass......................................................................................................105

1. Introduction........................................................................................105

2. Experimental Work...........................................................................107

3. Results and discussion.....................................................................111

4. Conclusion..........................................................................................127

Acknowledgements...........................................................................128

Chapter 6 A Review of Selected Non-Edible Biomass Sources as Feedstock

for Biodiesel Production.......................................................................133

1. Introduction........................................................................................133

2. Non-edible biomass sources...........................................................134

3. Conclusion..........................................................................................150

Chapter 7 Biomass Adsorbent for Removal of Toxic Metal Ions From

Electroplating Industry Wastewater ..................................................153

1. Introduction........................................................................................153

2. Structural characterization of the biomass..................................162

3. Adsorption of single and multi-metal ions.................................170

Chapter 8 Biomass Energy Conversion ...............................................................199

1. Introduction ......................................................................................199

2. Biomass properties and characterization ....................................200

3. Biomass conversion processes........................................................202

Citation......................................................................................................223

Index...........................................................................................................225

About Author

Greg Munusamy received his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Public Research University, Limoges. He is engaged in the research focused on lignocellulosic biomass, chemical conversion and environmental impact of biomass. He has served as a Guest Lecturer at various universities across America and Europe. Munusamy has authored and edited more than 50 articles, journal papers and book chapters in the field of biomass. He has travelled and lectured extensively throughout Europe and United States; primarily for higher education.