Evaluation of trace elements fate in contaminated biomass fractions for clean biofuel production

Abstract

At the end of their life cycle, contaminated lignocellulosic biomasses coming from phytoremediation projects, are usually treated as a dangerous waste, making them unusable for further purposes. The detailed comprehension of the contaminants fate can help to reuse part of this waste. Different biomass portions are used for many purposes, principally for the biofuel production, for example cellulose is the fraction used for bioethanol production after hydrolysis and microbial fermentation. Hence the obtaining of clean feedstock is essential for an equally clean biofuel. In this work the heavy metals fate in hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin of two contaminated biomasses was evaluated, observing a predominant accumulation in the hemicellulose fraction. Through targeted processes it is possible to separate the cellulose from contaminated biomass and reuse this fraction as biofuel feedstock decreasing the waste amount produced phyto-managed soils.