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Biomass Conversion to Produce Hydrocarbon Liquid Fuel Via Hot-vapor Filtered Fast Pyrolysis and Catalytic Hydrotreating
Published on: December 25, 2016
Nutrient recovery and pollutant removal during renewable fuel production: opportunities and challenges
Margo Elzinga1, Desiree de Haan2, Cees J N Buisman3
1Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, PO Box 17, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Paqell BV, Reactorweg 301, 3542 AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Stimulated by the desire to achieve a Net Zero energy economy, the demand for renewable fuels is growing rapidly. The production of toxic waste streams that accompanies the transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels is often overlooked. These waste streams include, among others, thiols and ammonia, and benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). When suitable treatment technologies are available, these compounds can be converted to valuable nutrients. In this opinion article, we provide an overview of expected waste streams and their characteristics. We indicate future challenges for associated waste streams, such as the lag in developing resource recovery technologies. Furthermore, we discuss unexploited opportunities to recover valuable nutrients from these waste streams.
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