M. Muñoz

Bio: M. Muñoz is an academic researcher from University of Zaragoza. The author has contributed to research in topics: Spark-ignition engine & Combustion. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 25 publications receiving 506 citations.

Resource Recovery from Wastewater by Biological Technologies: Opportunities, Challenges, and Prospects

Abstract: Limits in resource availability are driving a change in current societal production systems, changing the focus from residues treatment, such as wastewater treatment, toward resource recovery. Biotechnological processes offer an economic and versatile way to concentrate and transform resources from waste/wastewater into valuable products, which is a prerequisite for the technological development of a cradle-to-cradle bio-based economy. This review identifies emerging technologies that enable resource recovery across the wastewater treatment cycle. As such, bioenergy in the form of biohydrogen (by photo and dark fermentation processes) and biogas (during anaerobic digestion processes) have been classic targets, whereby, direct transformation of lipidic biomass into biodiesel also gained attention. This concept is similar to previous biofuel concepts, but more sustainable, as third generation biofuels and other resources can be produced from waste biomass. The production of high value biopolymers (e.g., for bioplastics manufacturing) from organic acids, hydrogen, and methane is another option for carbon recovery. The recovery of carbon and nutrients can be achieved by organic fertilizer production, or single cell protein generation (depending on the source) which may be utilized as feed, feed additives, next generation fertilizers, or even as probiotics. Additionlly, chemical oxidation-reduction and bioelectrochemical systems can recover inorganics or synthesize organic products beyond the natural microbial metabolism. Anticipating the next generation of wastewater treatment plants driven by biological recovery technologies, this review is focused on the generation and re-synthesis of energetic resources and key resources to be recycled as raw materials in a cradle-to-cradle economy concept.

Patent landscape review on biodiesel production: Technology updates

Abstract: Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Compared with fossil fuels, it has the potential to alleviate environmental pressures and achieve sustainable development. In this paper, 1660 patents related to biodiesel production were reviewed. They were published between January 1999 and July 2018 and were retrieved from the Derwent Innovation patent database. The patents were grouped into five categories depending on whether they related to starting materials, pre-treatment methods, catalysts, reactors and processing methods, or testing methods. Their analysis shows that the availability of biodiesel starting materials depends on climate, geographical location, local soil conditions, and local agricultural practices. Starting materials constitute 75% of overall production costs and, therefore, it is crucial to select the best feedstock. Pre-treatment of feedstock can improve its suitability for processing and increase extraction effectiveness and oil yield. Catalysts can enhance the solubility of alcohol, leading to higher reaction rates, faster biodiesel production processes, and lower biodiesel production costs. Moreover, the apparatus and processes used strongly affect the oil yield and quality, and production cost. In order to be commercialized and marketed, biodiesel should pass either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards or European Standards (EN). Due to increases in environmental awareness, it is likely that the number of published patents on biodiesel production will remain stable or even increase.

An overview of hydrogen as a vehicle fuel

Abstract: As hydrogen fuel cell vehicles move from manifestation to commercialization, the users expect safe, convenient and customer-friendly fuelling. Hydrogen quality affects fuel cell stack performance and lifetime, as well as other factors such as valve operation. In this paper, previous researcher's development on hydrogen as a possible major fuel of the future has been studied thoroughly. Hydrogen is one of the energy carriers which can replace fossil fuel and can be used as fuel in an internal combustion engines and as a fuel cell in vehicles. To use hydrogen as a fuel of internal combustion engine, engine design should be considered for avoiding abnormal combustion. As a result it can improve engine efficiency, power output and reduce NOx emissions. The emission of fuel cell is low as compared to conventional vehicles but as penalty, fuel cell vehicles need additional space and weight to install the battery and storage tank, thus increases it production cost. The production of hydrogen can be ‘carbon-free’ only if it is generated by employing genuinely carbon-free renewable energy sources. The acceptability of hydrogen technology depends on the knowledge and awareness of the hydrogen benefits towards environment and human life. Recent study shows that people still do not have the sufficient information of hydrogen.