In an article published in the Science of the Total Environment journal, scientists presented an in-depth analysis of how pyrolysis, a process, could transform agricultural waste such as rice straw, manure, and wood into a solution that addresses three common issues simultaneously.
Pyrolysis, a form of chemical recycling, converts residual organic materials into their fundamental molecules by enclosing the waste in an oxygen-deprived chamber and subjecting it to temperatures exceeding 400 degrees Celsius, yielding valuable chemicals in the process.
The researchers from the University of Glasgow in the UK detailed in their paper how three key byproducts of pyrolysis—bio-oil, syngas, and biochar fertilizer—could enhance the well-being and sustainability of rural communities by fostering more fertile farmlands.
Furthermore, the study outlined a set of guidelines aimed at optimizing the economic feasibility of the system.
Commencing with a survey involving approximately 1,200 rural households in Odisha, the investigation delved into their practices related to cooking, household energy consumption, and agriculture.
The survey revealed that over 80% of participants expressed a desire to transition from using coal, which emits smoke indoors during cooking, to cleaner alternatives. Additionally, nearly all respondents prioritized gaining access to reliable grid electricity.
Moreover, around 90% of the surveyed households indicated a willingness to sell agricultural waste to support bioenergy initiatives, as per the researchers’ findings.
The insights gathered aided in shaping the development of a community-based pyrolysis model named “BioTRIG,” intended to operate on waste materials and deliver various advantages to impoverished rural populations.
The syngas and bio-oil generated would sustain the pyrolysis system in subsequent cycles, with excess electricity serving local residences and businesses, according to the researchers.
The environmentally friendly bio-oil could serve as a substitute for conventional cooking fuels, while biochar could enhance soil fertility and sequester carbon, the researchers highlighted.
Simulation studies illustrating the potential real-world impact of the BioTRIG system suggested a reduction of nearly 350 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per capita annually in greenhouse gas emissions from communities.
Siming You, the project leader from the University of Glasgow, emphasized the severity of indoor air pollution in rural India, particularly its adverse effects on women and children due to fossil fuel usage in poorly ventilated homes.
You underscored the challenges faced by these communities, including land degradation from unsustainable agricultural practices and the persistent struggle for reliable electricity access.
The team pointed out that these issues align with the UN’s sustainable development goals and acknowledged the Indian government’s efforts to tackle them nationwide.
You further emphasized the transformative potential of the BioTRIG system in mitigating these pressing challenges by converting waste into three valuable bioenergy sources. The widespread adoption of this system in a vast country like India could significantly impact climate emissions and public health, You concluded.