Development of a hydrochar from waste sugarcane industry using hydrothermal carbonization seeking agricultural application

Abstract

The search for alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels have caused other waste were generated in the environment. Ethanol production and concomitantly sugar from sugar cane, is quite satisfactory from the point of view of energy, but the large amount of biomass residues generated by sugar and alcohol industries generate concerns the environmental point of view. Thus, the race for new technologies that aim to minimize the environmental impacts caused by waste and/or add value and applicability of these residues in the actual production cycle industries investing scarce resources is increasing. The hydrothermal carbonization is a technique to convert a biomass moist heat in a solid material called carbon-rich hydrochar. Main advantage of this technique is the possibility of direct use of biomass in the process without any prior treatment. So the key residues of the sugarcane industry, vinasse and bagasse can be used in the hydrothermal carbonization process and provide final product as a material rich in carbon that can be applied to soils. Thus, the aim of this project is to prepare and post doctoral characterize hydrochar to be produced using waste bagasse and vinasse from the hydrothermal carbonization process. It will be evaluated the use of hydrochar produced in the system water / soil / plant for its possible application as an agricultural fertilizer. The liquid generated in the hydrothermal carbonization process will also be tested for agricultural application or its reuse by the sugarcane industry.