Aproveitamento de Resíduos de Poda Urbana para produção de Biocombustível Sólido integrando Biomassa Sustentável.

Abstract

The energy crisis is a reality, and the problems arising from it are intensifying every day due to uncontrolled population growth and degrading anthropogenic actions. Therefore, it is essential to search for alternative energy sources to meet global energy needs without compromising future generations. Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms, and their biomass is attractive for energy generation because it is composed of macromolecules with a binding effect. The microalgae species Chlorella vulgaris Benj. can be cultivated in aquaculture wastewater, as it develops by absorbing nutrients from the effluent. The improper disposal of urban pruning waste (RPU), organic material that takes a long time to degrade, is also an environmental challenge that requires attention, with the use of this waste for energy being a sustainable alternative. In floodplain areas, it is possible to observe the massive growth of the aquatic macrophyte Typha domingensis (cattail), a plant that can become invasive and harm the development of other living beings, reducing the biodiversity of the environment. Cattail has an interesting chemical composition and can be used to generate energy in the form of briquettes. In this context, this study sought to produce briquettes from the integration of Chlorella vulgaris, Typha domingensis, and Urban Pruning Waste (UPW) biomass, with subsequent evaluation of the energy and binding potential of each biomass. The experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions. The microalgae were cultivated in aquaculture wastewater and the briquettes were made in a handmade press, without the application of heat. The results obtained were satisfactory, especially with briquettes produced from the integration of biomass (80% RPU + 10% C. vulgaris + Typha domingensis), which presented maximum breaking force (139,80 N), mechanical resistance (1.14 MPa), and higher calorific value (17.179 MJ/kg). The data therefore suggest that the inclusion of organic and natural biomass, especially in an integrated form, is extremely viable in the production of briquettes, resulting in competitive products that represent a sustainable alternative to conventional products of food or chemical origin.