Title: Estimation of energy generation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through briquetting from lignocellulosic waste

Authors: Leonardo da Cunha Marques; Ronaldo Stefanutti

Addresses: Centro de Tecnologia, Depto. de Engenharia Hidráulica e Ambiental, Federal University of Ceará, Campus do Pici – Bloco 713, CEP 60440-970, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil ' Centro de Tecnologia, Depto. de Engenharia Hidráulica e Ambiental, Federal University of Ceará, Campus do Pici – Bloco 713, CEP 60440-970, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

Abstract: The objective of the study is to evaluate briquette manufacturing process as an alternative to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. The raw material considered for briquette production is tree pruning residue that is currently destined for a landfill in Caucaia, Brazil. Emissions were analysed by two aspects: reduction in biogas generation if tree pruning waste is not destined for the landfill cells; and reduction in emissions if mineral coal is replaced by briquette for energy generation purposes. Landfill gas emissions model (LandGEM) was used to estimate emissions from the studied landfill. Pollutant emission factors were used to calculate emissions for CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O by coal burning. Research results showed that each tonne of briquette produced would avoid the emission of 2.35 tonnes of CO₂e. The results of this study could help waste managers and government decision-makers to assess and plan the implantation of a briquette factory in landfill sites.

Keywords: briquetting; greenhouse gases; GHGs; landfill gas emissions model; LandGEM; tree pruning; landfill.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2024.137531

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2024 Vol.33 No.3, pp.383 - 395

Received: 24 Jun 2020
Accepted: 17 Aug 2021
Published online: 22 Mar 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article