Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Evaluation of Integrated Anaerobic Digestion and Hydrothermal Carbonization for Bioenergy Production
Published on: June 15, 2014
A comparative LCA of rice straw utilization for fuels and fertilizer in Thailand
Thapat Silalertruksa1, Shabbir H Gheewala
1The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE), King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, 126 Prachauthit Road, Bangkok 10140, Thailand; Center for Energy Technology and Environment, Ministry of Education, Thailand.
Abstract:
Life cycle assessment of four rice straw utilization systems including; (1) direct combustion for electricity, (2) biochemical conversion to bio-ethanol and biogas, (3) thermo-chemical conversion to bio-DME, and (4) incorporation into the soil as fertilizer have been conducted to compare their environmental performances. The results showed that per ton of dry rice straw, the bio-ethanol pathway resulted in the highest environmental sustainability with regards to reductions in global warming and resource depletion potentials. Rice straw bio-DME was preferable vis-à-vis reduction in acidification potential. Rice straw electricity and fertilizer also brought about several environmental benefits. The key environmental benefit of rice straw utilization came from avoiding the deleterious effects from burning straw in situ in the field. Recommendations for enhancing environmental sustainability of rice straw utilization for fuels and fertilizer are provided.
Related Concept Videos
Production of Organic Acids
Biofuels

