BTC – 309 BIODEGRADATION AND BIODETERIORATION
Topic - Bioconversion of wastes to fuels, feed and organo-mineral fertilizer.
Introduction:
Bioconversion, also known as biotransformation, is the conversion of organic materials, such
as plant or animal waste, into usable products or energy sources by biological processes or
agents, such as certain microorganisms. Example is the bioconversion of glycerol to 1, 3-
propanediol, which is part of scientific research for many decades. Another example of
bioconversion is the conversion of organic materials, such as plant or animal waste, into usable
products or energy sources by biological processes or agents, such as certain microorganis ms,
some detritivores or enzymes.
Three (3) different processes for bioconversion are;
1. Enzymatic hydrolysis
In this process, a single source of feedstock is mixed with strong enzymes which convert a
portion of cellulosic material into sugars which can then be fermented into ethanol.
2. Synthesis gas fermentation
In this process, a blend of feedstock, not exceeding 30% water, is gasified in a closed
environment into a syngas containing mostly carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The cooled
syngas is then converted into usable products through exposure to bacteria or other catalysts.
After gasification, anaerobic bacteria (Clostridium ljungdahlii) are used to convert the syngas
(CO, CO 2, and H2 ) into ethanol. The heat generated by gasification is also used to co-generate
excess electricity.
3. Grub Composting
This is a sustainable technology that employ organisms that feed on organic matter to reduce
and convert organic waste in to high quality feedstuff and oil rich material for the biodiesel
industry.
Bioconversion of waste to fuels
Biofuels are liquid or gaseous fuels derived from the living organisms, or from the fermenta tio n
of biomass and the waste they produce. Microbial fuel produced can contribute to meeting the
world energy requirements. Three (3) important biofuels are Ethanol produced by Zymomo nas
and thermonerobacter, Methane by methanobacterium, and Hydrogen by photosynthetic
bacterium.
Desirable Features of Biofuels
1. They are Eco-friendly - Being derived from biomass which is renewable
2. They have low cost and are easily available saving lot of foreign exchange for the
developing countries.
3. The substrate used for biofuels production is often waste which is not only generates a more
valuable product from low cost substrate but also help in cleaning up the environment.
Important Biofuels
a) Ethanol (Gasohol):
Is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol (9:1). It is an efficient fuel, lowering the release of
atmospheric hydrocarbon pollutants and can be used without any engineering modification of
the automobile engine. Microorganisms used for production of bioethanol include bacteria
(Clostridium, Acetobutylicum, Leuconostoc, Zymomonas, Sarcina), yeasts (Saccharomyces,
Aspergillus, Neurospora). The major sources of ethanol are sugarcane, bagasse, grain sorghum,
barley, molasses, maize, hemp, potatoes, cassava, sunflower, wheat straw, cotton and other
biomass.
b) Biodiesel:
This is a renewable fuel that is made from methyl or ethyl ester of fatty acids (made from pure
or used vegetable oils – edible and nonedible, animal fats and algae) or from hydrocarbons
produced by some plant and algae. Biodiesel is biodegradable and nontoxic and typically
produces about 60% less net CO 2 emissions than petroleum based diesel, as it is itself produced
from atmospheric CO 2 via photosynthesis in plants. It is a light to dark yellow liquid. It is
immiscible with water, has a high boiling point and low vapour pressure. It can be used as
heating fuel in domestic and commercial boilers. The main sources include variety of oils such
as soybean, rapeseed, mustard, flax, palm oil, hemp, algae, sunflower, and canola. Soybean oil
alone account for ~90% of all fuel stocks used for producing biodiesel.
c) Biogas:
This is primarily produced by anaerobic microorganisms, primarily by methane. It is also
known as swamp, landfill, marsh, or digester gas. It is produced through methanogenesis by a
group of strictly anaerobic archaea called Methanogens. It is an important fuel used in
generation of mechanical, electrical, and heat energy. It can be used as a fuel source for homes
and industry and can also be converted by microbial action or chemical means to methano l
which can further be used as a fuel in internal combustion engines. It is a greenhouse gas and
its over-production in nature may significantly promote future global warming.
Advantages of biofuels
Biofuel is made from renewable resources and relatively less-flammable compared to fossil
diesel.
It has significantly better lubricating properties.
It causes less harmful carbon emission compared to standard diesel.
Biofuels can be manufactured from a wide range of materials. They are cost efficient fuels.
As of now, biofuels cost the same in the market as gasoline does. However, the overall
cost-benefit of using them is much higher.
They are cleaner fuels, which means they produce fewer emissions on burning.
With the increased demand for biofuels, they have the potential of becoming cheaper in the
future as well.
Durability of engines - Biofuels are adaptable to current engine designs and perform very
well in most conditions.
Easy to source - Biofuels are made from many different sources such as manure, waste
from crops, other by-products, algae and plants grown specifically for the fuel.
Renewable: Since most of the sources like manure, corn, switchgrass, soybeans, waste from
crops and plants are renewable and are not likely to run out any time soon, it makes the use
of biofuels efficient in nature. Also, these crops can be replanted again and again.
Reduce Greenhouse gases: Biofuels reduce greenhouse gases up to 65 percent.
Economic security: Biofuel production increases the demand for suitable biofuel crops,
providing a boost to the agriculture industry. Fuelling homes, businesses and vehicles with
biofuels are less expensive than fossil fuels. More jobs will be created with a gro wing
biofuel industry, which will keep our economy secure.
Reduce dependence of foreign oil: as prices of crude oil are touching sky high, we need
some more alternative energy solutions to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Lower levels of pollution: as prices of crude oil are touching sky high, we need some more
alternative energy solutions to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Disadvantages of Biofuel:
High cost of production: If the demand increases, then increasing the supply will be a long
term operation, which will be quite expensive. Such a disadvantage is still preventing the
use of biofuels from becoming more popular.
Monoculture: refers to the practice of producing the same crops year after year, rather than
producing various crops through a farmer’s fields over time. While this might be
economically attractive for farmers but growing the same crop every year may deprive the
soil of nutrients that are put back into the soil through crop rotation.
Use of fertilisers: Biofuels are produced from crops, and these crops need fertilizers to grow
better. The downside of using fertilizers is that they can have harmful effects on the
surrounding environment and may cause water pollution. • Fertilizers contain nitrogen and
phosphorus. They can be washed away from soil to nearby lakes, rivers or ponds.
Shortage of food: using existing land for biofuels may not cause an acute shortage of food;
however, it will definitely put pressure on the current growth of crops.
Industrial pollution: Large scale industries meant for churning out biofuel are known to
emit large amounts of emissions and cause small scale water pollution as well.
Water use: Large quantities of water are required to irrigate the biofuel crops, and it may
impose strain on local and regional water resources, if not managed wisely.
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