Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 8
Biomass Energy Using Methane and Hydrogen
from Waste Materials
Yu-You Li, Samir Gadow and Qigui Niu
Abstract Biomass is playing an increasing role in renewable energy but has dis-
advantages where the biomass source competes with food supply, biodiversity and
other essential components of a sustainable society. At Tohoku University, we are
researching sources of alternative fuels such as bio-hydrogen and bio-methane
from secondary sources such as wastewater treatment and reuse. In this chapter we
present an overview of key concepts related to biomass energy production through
various bacterial processes using single and two-phase fermentation technologies.
Additionally, we also describe potential sources of biogas technology in Japan
including cattle manure, chicken manure, sewage sludge and co-digestion in meth-
ane fermentation.
Keywords Biomass energy · Bio-hydrogen · Bio-methane · Environmental
sustainability
8.1
Introduction
The production and use of bioenergy is rising in many countries to diversify en-
ergy sources, promote environmental quality, energy security and economic growth.
Modern biomass energy can provide several benefits, including development of
rural economies, improving household income, mitigating climate change, and pro-
viding access to alternative energy sources. On the other hand, bioenergy can also
be associated with biodiversity loss, deforestation, and additional pressure on global
water resources. For this reason, it is desirable to avoid primary resources and seek
waste materials or other secondary resources as a biomass feedstock. For instance,
worldwide municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is about 2 billion t per year,
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