Abstract Introduction: Spills of flammable liquids can lead to serious accidents, mainly in industrial plants and on roads. To prevent the spread of spills, various forms of collection are used, such as absorption with porous solids. Agroindustrial waste can be used as sorbent materials for flammable liquids. Objective: To determine the sorption capacity of the residual empty-fruit bunch of oil-palm (Elaeis guineensis) and the macaw palm (Acrocomia sp.) nutshell for four organic flammable liquids. Methods: The residual biomasses of E. guineensis and Acrocomia sp. were assessed as sorbents for spilled fuels (diesel, jet fuel, commercial kerosene, and gasoline). Volumetric measurement of liquid-fuel absorption at 24 ºC was taken during a week. Desorption was measured at 50 ºC as the drying kinetics, by using moisture scales. Results: The sorption capacity of the Acrocomia sp. material was not satisfactory, compared to the E. guineensis residual material, due to differences in the residual architecture of the organic material. This last can absorb 2.4 ± 0.2 cm3 g-1 at 24 ºC, during a one-week period. Diatomite absorbs greater quantities of the organic liquids but, the fluids diffusion at 50 ºC is 0.26 ± 0.09 times more slowly in the mineral matrix, because of the greater pore tortuosity in this mineral matrix. Conclusions: The oil-palm empty fruit bunch of E. guineensis, showed lesser but adequate performance than the sorbing behavior for fire hazard mitigation of diatomite. The nutshell of macaw palm (Acrocomia sp.) did not prove to be useful for this recovery operation.

Resumen Introducción: Los vertidos de líquidos inflamables pueden producir accidentes graves, principalmente en plantas industriales y en carretera. Para prevenir la dispersión de derrames, se utilizan diversas formas de recolecta, como la absorción con sólidos porosos. Residuos agroindustriales pueden ser aprovechados como materiales sorbentes de líquidos inflamables. Objetivo: Determinar la capacidad de absorción de las biomasas residuales del pedúnculo de la palma aceitera (Elaeis guineensis) y del endocarpio del fruto de coyol (Acrocomia sp.) para cuatro líquidos orgánicos inflamables. Métodos: Las biomasas residuales de E. guineensis y de Acrocomia sp. se evaluaron como sorbentes para combustibles derramados (diésel, queroseno de aviación, queroseno comercial y gasolina). Se midió la cantidad de líquido absorbida por las biomasas a 24 ºC durante una semana, y su cinética de desorción a 50 ºC, usando balanzas de secado. Resultados: La propiedad sorbente del material de Acrocomia sp. no fue satisfactoria, comparada con el pedúnculo de E. guineensis, debido a diferencias en arquitectura residual del material orgánico. Esta última biomasa muestra una capacidad de absorción para los combustibles de 2.4 ± 0.2 cm3 g-1 a 24 ºC. La diatomita absorbe mayor cantidad de los combustibles estudiados, pero la difusión de estos fluidos a 50 ºC por la matriz mineral es solo 0.26 ± 0.09 veces lo observado para el material de E. guineensis, como resultado del mayor grado de tortuosidad de los poros de la diatomita. Conclusiones: El pedúnculo de palma aceitera (E. guineensis) mostró un adecuado potencial desempeño para la aplicación pasiva en la mitigación de los riesgos de incendio, con respecto a la diatomita. El endocarpio del fruto de Acrocomia sp. no resultó útil para esta operación de recuperación.

ABSTRACT Conventional wastewater treatment methods have certain limitations, such as the low removal of refractory organic pollutants, the need for large areas of installation, and the high costs for implementation and operation. Thus, alternative processes have been applied for the treatment of wastewater, such as adsorption, due to its versatility and the possibility of using alternative materials (biosorbents). The biosorption process is considered a biotechnological alternative for the treatment of wastewater, through the use of biosorbents, as agro-industrial waste. In this context, the present work aims to present an exploratory and qualitative bibliographic review, relating the application of the biosorption process in the removal of contaminants in wastewater. Thus, most of the living and dead biomasses showed excellent results in capturing pollutants in aqueous media, being promising in the treatment of industrial wastewater. In addition, agro-industrial waste that accumulate because they are not properly managed, have also been tested for heavy metals and have mostly performed well in terms of biosorptive capacity. Microbial biomass had lower adsorptive capacity values to pollutant removal since it was necessary to control nutrients and the variables necessary for cell survival. It is important to highlight the greater complexity of removal of the organic compounds, since they present in their chemical structures specific functional groups of different ionic nature, making the interaction between biosorbent and organic pollutant difficult. Therefore, it was possible to identify the versatility of the biosorption process, as well as the possibility of using alternative materials. limitations installation operation Thus adsorption biosorbents. biosorbents . (biosorbents) agroindustrial agro context review media addition managed survival compounds nature difficult Therefore (biosorbents

RESUMO Métodos convencionais de tratamento de águas residuais apresentam determinadas limitações, como a baixa remoção de poluentes orgânicos refratários, necessidade de grandes áreas de instalação e os elevados custos para implementação e operação. Assim, processos alternativos vêm sendo aplicados para o tratamento de água residuais, como a adsorção, pela sua versatilidade e a possibilidade de utilização de materiais alternativos (biossorventes). O processo de biossorção é considerado uma alternativa biotecnológica para o tratamento de águas residuais, por meio da utilização dos biossorventes, como resíduos agroindustriais. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica de caráter exploratória e qualitativa, relacionando a aplicação do processo de biossorção na remoção de contaminantes em águas residuais. Assim, a maioria das biomassas vivas e mortas demonstraram ótimos resultados na captação de poluentes em meio aquoso, sendo promissoras no tratamento de águas residuais industriais. Além disso, resíduos agroindustriais que se acumulam por não apresentarem o correto gerenciamento, também foram testados para metais pesados e em sua maioria tiveram bom desempenho de capacidade biossortiva. A biomassa de natureza microbial apresentou menores valores de capacidade adsortiva para a remoção de poluentes, já que foi necessário o controle de nutrientes e das variáveis necessárias à sobrevivência das células. É importante destacar a maior complexidade de remoção dos compostos orgânicos, visto que apresentam em suas estruturas química grupos funcionais específico de natureza iônica diferente, dificultando a interação entre biossorvente e poluente orgânico. Por conseguinte, foi possível identificar a versatilidade do processo de biossorção, bem como a possibilidade de utilização de materiais alternativos. limitações refratários operação Assim adsorção biossorventes. biossorventes . (biossorventes) contexto qualitativa aquoso industriais disso gerenciamento biossortiva células diferente orgânico conseguinte (biossorventes

ABSTRACT Introduction: Energy production at local scale based on established agroindustrial production systems, but with a sustainable approach, is a current important issue. This work shows the results obtained in the field of bioenergy through thermochemical conversion of biomasses for its integration to energy local systems. The research included the study of several Cuban biomasses, with potential for energy production but not well studied for this purpose. Methods: Among techniques used to explore their potential for gasification and pyrolysis, the authors applied proximate and ultimate analysis, Thermogravimetry, ash content, ash melting behavior, process simulation, disposal assessment and energy potential. Results: The obtaining of non-conventional vegetable oils and biodiesel was optimized. It was studied in engine test benches and endurance tests. The optimal blends to use in the agricultural sector in Cuba were also studied. A detailed database with an integral characterization of selected biomasses is part of the outputs. The formulation and assessment of fuel emulsions based on Jatropha and residual glycerol were also developed, with a reduction of the environmental impact and the costs besides an increase in energy efficiency. The production of biomass from Chlorella vulgaris and its conversion to biodiesel were part of the study. In the case of algae, the feasibility of their use in oil production or thermochemical conversion was also developed. As a complementary research line, environmental impact and life cycle analysis were assessed for several biomasses.

RESUMEN Introducción: La producción de energía a escala local en base a sistemas agroindustriales establecidos, desde un enfoque de sostenibilidad es un aspecto de vital importancia en la actualidad. El presente trabajo muestra resultados obtenidos en el campo de la bioenergía mediante la conversión termoquímica de biomasas para su integración a sistemas energéticos locales. Métodos: La investigación comprendió el estudio de varias biomasas cubanas, con potencial para la producción de energía, que no han sido previamente bien estudiadas. Entre las técnicas empleadas se encuentran el empleo de análisis próximo, último, termogravimetría, análisis de contenido de cenizas, su composición y su comportamiento, simulación de procesos, estudio de disponibilidad y su potencial energético, entre otros. Resultados: Se optimizó la obtención de aceites y biodiesel, así como se estudió en motores la durabilidad y cuáles son las mezclas combustibles más adecuadas para generalizar en el sector agrícola en Cuba. Se obtuvo una detallada base de datos con la caracterización integral de biomasas, así como la formulación y evaluación de emulsiones a partir de aceite de Jatropha y glicerol residual, con reducción de impacto ambiental, costos e incremento de eficiencia. Se estudió la producción de biomasa a partir de Chlorella vulgaris y su conversión en biodiesel. En el caso de las macroalgas, se analizó la factibilidad de su uso para la producción de aceite o para conversión termoquímica. En el trabajo se incluyen resultados de análisis de ciclo de vida y de impacto ambiental para algunas de las tecnologías y biomasas incluidas.

RESUMO O uso da vinhaça como fertilizante no cultivo da cana-de-açúcar é uma boa opção para melhorar o desenvolvimento da cultura devido seu aporte nutricional, destinar adequadamente o subproduto e diminuir os custos de plantio; no entanto, no campo, o controle da quantidade de vinhaça aplicada pode ser difícil, interferindo no desenvolvimento da cana-de-açúcar. Com isso, objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar altas doses de vinhaça em relação às respostas biométricas no crescimento inicial da cana planta. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com tratamentos compostos por cinco doses de vinhaça (0, 150, 300, 600 e 1200 m3 ha-1), com seis repetições, exceto D0 com três repetições, e uma dose de adubo mineral com 70 kg ha-1 de N, 120 kg ha-1 de P2O5 e 90 kg ha-1 de K2O, com três repetições. As variáveis biométricas foram avaliadas seguindo a sequência: número de perfilhos dos 60 aos 150 dias após plantio (DAP), altura de planta e número de folhas verdes e secas dos 90 aos 210 DAP, e diâmetro do colmo, área foliar e biomassa fresca e seca da raiz e parte aérea aos 210 DAP. A vinhaça aumentou a produção de biomassa através do número de perfilhos e do número de folhas em comparação ao adubo mineral, proporcionando maior crescimento até a dose 600 m3 ha-1. A dose de vinhaça de 1200 m3 ha-1 diminuiu a altura de planta.

ABSTRACT Rational use of vinasse as a fertilizer in sugarcane cultivation is a good option to increase crop development and yield due to its nutritional support, properly dispose of the by-product, and reduce costs of mineral nutrition. However, in the field, controlling the amount of vinasse can be difficult, interfering in sugarcane development. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate high doses of vinasse related to biometric responses in the initial growth phase of sugarcane plants. The experimental design was completely randomized, and the treatments consisted of five vinasse doses (0, 150, 300, 600, and 1200 m3 ha-1), with six replicates, except D0, three replicates, and one dose of mineral fertilizer with 70 kg ha-1 of N, 120 kg ha-1 of P2O5 and 90 kg ha-1 of K2O, with three replications. The biometric variables were evaluated in the following sequence: number of tillers per pot from 60 to 150 days after planting (DAP), plant height, number of green and dry leaves from 90 to 210 DAP, stem diameter, leaf area, and fresh and dry biomasses of roots and shoots at 210 DAP. Vinasse increased the biomass production through the number of tillers and the number of leaves compared to mineral fertilizer, promoting greater growth up to the dose of 600 m3 ha-1. The vinasse dose of 1200 m3 ha-1 decreased the plant height.

In recent years, the use of renewable sources for electric power generation has been steadily increasing worldwide, mainly due to environmental policies to reduce climate-change impacts. Biomass can be considered a renewable source for generating clean energy. The province of Tucumán, due to its agroindustrial activity, offers good prospects for the use of biomass. Appropriate technology is needed to convert biomass efficiently, and a promising alternative is gasification. This technology could be implemented in a relatively simple way to generate electricity in a decentralized manner, at different sizes of installations, in places with enough biomass available. Using the Cycle Tempo 5.0 simulation software to solve matter and energy balances by taking into account a thermodynamic equilibrium model (Model 0-D), the potential power generation in internal combustion engines was evaluated from the gas obtained by gasification of the main residual biomass in Tucumán without substantial current use: sugarcane harvest residues, and citrus pruning and renewal residues. With 1.229.208 t dry weight basis per year of this residual biomass, 774 GWh of electric energy could be generated annually, 27% of the total electric energy consumed in the province. This would give economic value to these wastes, which would help to avoid their in-field burning. The energy generated by means of gasification could partly replace that generated from fossil fuels, which would increase the participation of renewables in the energy matrix, and generate social, environmental and economic benefits.

El empleo de fuentes renovables para generación de energía eléctrica viene incrementándose constantemente en los últimos años a nivel mundial, debido principalmente a políticas ambientales para reducir los impactos del cambio climático. La biomasa puede considerase una fuente renovable para la obtención de energía eléctrica limpia . La provincia de Tucumán, en razón de su actividad agroindustrial, ofrece buenas perspectivas para su aprovechamiento. Para ello, en función del tipo de biomasa, es necesaria una tecnología adecuada para convertirla en energía en forma eficiente, y una alternativa promisoria es la gasificación. Esta tecnología podría implementarse de manera relativamente sencilla para generación de energía eléctrica en forma descentralizada, a diferentes escalas, en lugares con disponibilidad de biomasas adecuadas. Empleando el software de simulación Cycle Tempo 5.0 para resolver balances de materia y energía teniendo en cuenta un modelo de equilibrio termodinámico (Modelo 0-D), se evaluó el potencial de generación de energía eléctrica en motores de combustión interna, a partir de gas pobre obtenido mediante gasificación de las principales biomasas residuales de Tucumán sin aprovechamiento: los residuos agrícolas de cosecha de caña de azúcar y residuos de poda y renovación de citrus. Con estos residuos, que suman en conjunto 1.229.208 toneladas en base seca por año, se podrían generar anualmente 774 GWh de energía eléctrica, un 27% de la energía eléctrica total consumida en la provincia. Esto daría valor económico a estos residuos lo que favorecía a evitar su quema a cielo abierto, y la energía así generada, podría reemplazar parte de la proveniente de combustibles fósiles, aumentando la participación de renovables en la matriz energética, con beneficios sociales, ambientales y económicos.

ABSTRACT The sugar cane bagasse constitutes an abundant lignocellulosic agro-industrial residue in Cuban sugar industry. However, its complex structure partially limits biodegradation, for that reason it is necessary to apply a pretreatment, being the alkaline the most effective for biomasses with a high lignin content. This work objective is to evaluate the effect of alkaline pretreatment in cane bagasse delignification, and its anaerobic biodegradability with respect to without pretreatment bagasse. Two alkalis (NaOH and KOH) with two concentration levels (0.5 and 1% w/v), and two contact times (1 and 3 h), were studied at room temperature. Results were evaluated in terms of % delignification, methane yield and process kinetics according to a first order model. Maximum lignin reduction (36.5%) and methane yield (192 mLCH4/g VS) were obtained with NaOH (0.5% -3h), achieving a 94.6% increase in methane yield respect to without pretreating bagasse. Kinetic study confirmed that kinetic parameters are improved compared to without pretreatment bagasse, with this variant.

RESUMEN El bagazo de caña de azúcar constituye un residuo agroindustrial lignocelulósico abundante en la industria azucarera cubana. Su compleja estructura limita parcialmente su biodegradación, por lo que se hace necesario la aplicación de un pretratamiento, siendo el alcalino el más efectivo para las biomasas con alto contenido de lignina. El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar el efecto del pretratamiento alcalino sobre la deslignificación del bagazo de caña, y su biodegradabilidad anaerobia respecto al bagazo sin pretratar. Se estudiaron dos álcalis (NaOH y KOH) con dos niveles de concentración (0,5 y 1% p/v), y dos tiempos de contacto (1 y 3 h) a temperatura ambiente. Los resultados fueron evaluados en términos de % deslignificación, rendimiento de metano y cinética del proceso según el modelo de primer orden. La máxima reducción de lignina (36,5%) y rendimiento de metano (192 mLCH4/gSV) fueron obtenidos con NaOH (0,5%-3h), logrando un 94,6% de incremento en el rendimiento de metano respecto al bagazo sin pretratar. El estudio cinético confirmó que con esta variante se mejoran los parámetros respecto al bagazo sin pretratar.

Abstract: The objective of the present work was to study the adsorption process in a packed bed column using bio-adsorbents obtained from agro-industrial by-products (plantain starch pulp, yam starch pulp and palm oil bagasse) for the elimination of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) in aqueous solution. The effect and statistical incidence on the changes in the temperature and bed height in the adsorption process of heavy metals in a column packed with the biomasses under study, was analysed, the metal concentration was fixed at 100 ppm and the flow in 0.75 mL/s. From the adsorption tests made to the conditions studied and the statistical analysis of them, it was determined that the temperature and the height of the bed significantly affect the adsorption of Cr (VI) in the plantain cake, and the height of the bed affects Ni (II) adsorption on yam cake and palm bagasse.

Resumen: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar el proceso de adsorción en una columna de lecho empacado usando bio-adsorbentes obtenidos de subproductos agroindustriales (pulpa de almidón de plátano, pulpa de almidón de ñame y bagazo de palma aceitera) para la eliminación de Cr (VI) y Ni (II) en solución acuosa. Se analizó el efecto e incidencia estadística sobre los cambios en la temperatura y altura del lecho en el proceso de adsorción de los metales pesados en una columna empacada con las biomasas en estudio, la concentración de los metales se fijó en 100 ppm y el caudal en 0,75 mL/s. A partir de las pruebas de adsorción hechas a las condiciones estudiadas y el análisis estadístico de las mismas se determinó que la temperatura y la altura del lecho afectan significativamente la adsorción de Cr (VI) en la torta de plátano, y la altura del lecho afecta la adsorción de Ni (II) en la torta de ñame y bagazo de palma.

Keeping in mind the importance that has today the use of national and international biogas plants, which use as raw material animal manure; as well as agricultural and agroindustrial residuals for the energy production and biofertilizers, minimizing the aspects of environmental contamination. This work is presented in three parts, in those which: firstly the technologies and the methods are described to apply the basic and special pre-treatments to the different biomasses in order to obtain their maximum potential of methane. A second part where it is approached the particularities to do that. Finally, a third part where their possible use is analyzed in the Cuban case. As a result of the same one, the state of the art is shown in the use of basic and special pre-treatments, with the objective of to potentialize the increase of the methane production in agricultural or animal biomasses

Teniendo en cuenta la importancia que tiene hoy en día la utilización de plantas de biogás a escala nacional e internacional, las cuales utilizan como materia prima excretas de origen animal; así como residuos agrícolas y agroindustriales para la producción de energía y biofertilizantes, minimizando los aspectos de contaminación medioambiental. Este trabajo se presenta en tres partes, en las cuales: primeramente se describen las tecnologías y los métodos para aplicar los pre tratamientos básicos y especiales a las diferentes biomasas con vistas a obtener su máximo potencial de metano. Una segunda parte donde se aborda las particularidades para llevar a efecto los mismos. Finalmente, una tercera parte donde se analiza su posible utilización en el caso cubano. Como resultado del mismo, se muestra el estado del arte en la utilización de pre tratamientos básicos y especiales, con el objetivo de potenciar el aumento de la producción de metano en biomasas de origen agrícola o animal

A conversão de biomassas agroindustriais em bioetanol com consequente valorização de rejeitos e resíduos, tem sido objeto de estudos de várias pesquisas realizadas no Brasil e no mundo. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a potencialidade do uso da polpa e da casca da banana (Musa cavendishii ), tanto in natura como previamente hidrolisada por ácido e enzimas, como substrato da fermentação alcoólica. Os rendimentos médios em bioetanol (em base úmida de biomassa) obtidos com a polpa (0,48 ± 0,05 g g-1) e com a casca (0,34 ± 0,11 g g-1), ambos in natura, possibilitaram a eficiência do processo de conversão, da ordem de 95% do rendimento teórico. A produtividade máxima alcançada em bioetanol foi de 3,0 ± 0,7 g L-1 h-1 com o uso da polpa e de 1,32 ± 0,03 g L-1 h-1 com a casca. Nas condições operacionais avaliadas o pretratamento dos resíduos com ácido sulfúrico não é recomendado para a produção de bioetanol.

The conversion of agroindustrial biomasses in bioethanol with consequent enrichment of wastes has been the object of various research projects conducted in Brazil and around the world. This study evaluated the potential of the Musa cavendishii banana pulp and peels using in natural state and also waste previously hydrolyzed by acid and enzimes, as substrate of alcoholic fermentation. The mean bioethanol yields (on wet biomass base), obtained with the pulp (0.48 ± 0.05 g g-1) and with the peels (0.34 ± 0.11 g g-1), both in natural state, enabled a conversion process efficiency to the order of 95% of theoretical yield. Maximum value reached in bioethanol was 3.0 ± 0.7 g L-1 h-1 with pulp and 1.32 ± 0.03 g L-1 h-1 with peels. Under the evaluated operating conditions, the pre-treatment of wastes with sulfuric acid is not recommended for bioethanol production.