Plant biomass are woody and non-wood materials (e.g., oil palm, bamboo, rattan, bagasse, and kenaf) and are abundant and renewable resource. Unfortunately, the heavy reliance on this resource is a threat to forest ecosystems and a recipe for accelerated land resource degradation. Due to the increasing scarcity of wood resources, many rural communities have shifted to utilization of crop residues for many different applications. The non-wood biomass is readily available, environmental friendly, and technologically suitable, and therefore, an excellent raw material for the future. The non-wood materials like bamboo, rattan, oil palm, and bagasse have superior properties and durability, which can be further prolonged by the modifi cation treatment. The modifi cation treatments increase the performance of the non-wood and could make it suitable for applications in many fi elds ranging from construction industry to automotive industry. This chapter deals with the properties improvement techniques of the selected non-wood biomasses and evaluates its applications for various purposes. The new developments dealing with the improvement of non-wood properties have also been presented in the chapter. The performance of non-wood biomass materials has been compared to the wood-based materials. Recent studies pertaining to the above topics have also been cited. Finally, the advanced applications of the improved non-wood biomasses have been highlighted.

Biomass and bioenergy

Block copolymer-based porous carbon fibers (PCFs) exhibit hierarchical porous structures, high surface areas, and exceptional electrochemical properties. However, the design of block copolymers for...

Composition Design of Block Copolymers for Porous Carbon Fibers

Sustainable management of municipal solid waste through waste-to-energy technologies.

Towards the circular economy: Analysis of barriers to implementation of Turkey's zero waste management using the fuzzy DEMATEL method.

Zero waste according to the Zero Waste International Alliance is an ethical, economical, effective and forward-thinking concept whereby people can change their lifestyles and habits to one that mimics natural cycles, where all discarded materials are designed to become resources that can benefit others. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of the Zero Waste problem (subject of the study) by respondents in selected Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland, Slovakia (EU countries) and Ukraine (EU associated country), as well as to verify whether the Zero Waste rules are known and implemented in sustainable activities of residents in the studied countries. The research was carried out using the CAWI method. The research tool was a structured questionnaire. The analysis of data from the countries covered by the study showed a significant relationship between the basic elements in the daily functioning of households related to the protection of the environment through responsible consumption, reuse and recovery of selected products, packaging and materials and food and the concept of Zero Waste. Research has shown that respondents consciously identify these activities with Zero Waste. According to the authors, the results of the research are the basis for public discussion at the European and global level in the field of creating legal regulations and educational programs in the context of waste management.

The Concept of Zero Waste in the Context of Supporting Environmental Protection by Consumers

The pressure on the government to use renewable energy sources as a future substitute for fossil fuels has prompted it to pursue alternative energy sources. Biomass has considerable potential as a renewable energy source in Indonesia. However, several barriers remain in relation to the application and development of biomass-based energy, including the concurrent use of biomass sources, such as CPO converted to stearin, for example, as a biofuel feedstock. Excluding the biodiesel industry, stearin is required by various large industries, including the oleochemicals, food, and cosmetics sectors. This situation results in competition and a conflict of interest among these industries. Furthermore, issues persist, for instance, plentiful forest fires and illegal logging. This situation has a significant impact on the loss of biomass sources. Conversely, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the global economy, reducing global energy demand, delaying the development of renewable energy priorities, in addition to placing the attainment of the national energy mix at risk. This study contributes to a greater understanding of the implementation, constraints, and challenges, as well as regulations associated with converting biomass to renewable energy and meeting the 2025 energy mix target. 

Biomass waste as a renewable energy in developing bio-based economies in Indonesia: A review

This study aims to find out how far the implementation of the concept of Zero Waste in waste management in Banda Aceh City. The problem of increasingly complex garbage due to the increasing amount of waste along with population growth. During this time generally waste is transported and disposed to the Final Processing Place (TPA) so that all garbage piled up in the landfill. Most of the waste handling is done after the garbage appears so it is difficult to manage it. Handling of garbage from scratch is still minimal so the TPA becomes full fast. The concept of Zero Waste is to minimize waste generation so that less waste is wasted to the landfill. This is so as not to waste resources and prevent environmental damage. Handling of waste from the beginning of waste avoidance, waste sorting, producer responsibility, waste levies according to the amount of disposal, waste management by the community and the provision of incentives and disincentives is the implementation parameter of Zero Waste. This concept should be integrated into local policy so it becomes an obligation for the government and the community to implement it. A number of cities around the world have implemented Zero Waste policies and set a target to reduce waste disposal to TPA as small as possible. Banda Aceh as a medium-sized city in Indonesia has integrated a number of Zero Waste concepts in its local regulations. Some of these concepts are difficult to implement due to a number of socio-political factors.

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1116/5/052045/pdf

Implementation of zero waste concept in waste management of Banda Aceh City

The integrating of zero waste principles from national to local regulations: Case study of Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Characterization of Activated Carbon Prepared From Banana Peels: Effect of Chemical Activators on the Adsorption of Gas Emissions

Purpose – In this research, we have prepared activated carbon (AC) from the waste of banana peels (Musa acuminate L.) using potassium hydroxide (KOH) for carbon monoxide (CO) adsorption from motorcycle gas emission.

Design/Methodology/Approach – The activation was conducted using a chemical activator (KOH) at various concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 N for 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively. Characteristics of banana peels AC (BPAC) produced were analyzed using the Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings – Results showed that KOH concentration and activation time strongly affected the CO adsorption and opening of the AC surface pore. There was an increase in the CO sorption when the KOH concentration was increased up to 3 N concentration. The highest CO adsorption from the emission occurred at 70.95% under KOH concentration of 3 N during the 3-h preparation.

Research Limitations/Implications – BPAC has been used as an adsorbent for only CO from motorcycle gas emission but not as an adsorbent for HC, NO, NOx, or H2S.

Practical Implications – BPAC can be used as the potential adsorbent for the removal of CO from motorcycle gas emission, and it is an environmental friendly, low cost, and easy to make adsorbent.

Originality/Value – In this study, the AC is made from biomass and is used in wastewater treatment, but limited studies are found on the removal of CO from motorcycle gas emission.

/pdf/preparation-of-activated-carbons-from-banana-musa-acuminate-30qk36yjv8.pdf

Muhammad Nizar

Papers

Biomass waste as a renewable energy in developing bio-based economies in Indonesia: A review

Implementation of zero waste concept in waste management of Banda Aceh City

The integrating of zero waste principles from national to local regulations: Case study of Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Characterization of Activated Carbon Prepared From Banana Peels: Effect of Chemical Activators on the Adsorption of Gas Emissions

Preparation of Activated Carbons From Banana (Musa acuminate L.) peels for Carbon Monoxide Adsorption