Also its cultivation Could lead to significant environmental improvementsboth for resource production for the green chemical industry and for soil restoration and use.
The need to obtain renewable energy sources and materials necessitates the search for alternative sources. Why not use a plant with low requirements, with proper crop management to minimize risks?
Potential use of common cane sugar in a biorefinery
Different products can be produced from this type of plant by following a cascade biorefinery plan, where the waste from one process becomes the feedstock for the next process.
This process makes it possible to sequentially utilize different parts of the facility and make the best use of this resource in line with sustainable development goals.
products obtained They can be broadly classified into three large blocks:
- natural fibers: Natural fibers can be obtained by processing both the stem (the reed itself) and the leaves of the plant with different applications. Its high cellulose content (around 70%) and its crystallinity, thermal stability and good mechanical properties make it particularly relevant for applications in obtaining composite materials.
- Bioenergy: specifically bioethanol, but can also be used to obtain other fuel materials such as biochar and biomethane.
- Chemical compounds: Chemical products such as xylitol, furfural and levulinic acid can be obtained through biotechnological processes. These are of interest in the synthesis of many other products such as bioplastics, biofuels, fertilizers and even food additives.
How to ensure the sustainability of your crop?
Common reed has great invasive potential, as many studies have shown and can be seen in some areas, especially the most sensitive areas such as the Macaronesian archipelago (Madeira and the Canary Islands, among others).
On the other hand, one of the biggest attractions of this genre is your low needs. Specifically, some authors compare this species with other species whose use for bioenergy production is more common. Miscanthus × giganteus. The use of sugarcane is more favorable due to higher biomass production and lower water and fertilizer requirements.
Moreover, the cane can be grown all year roundThus, seasonality of the crop can be eliminated and its use can be carried out continuously.
Of particular interest is the potential impact of this crop on the use of marginal soils or soils with high erosion. More than 400,000 km² of land in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region, are at high risk of desertification or soil loss. Cultivation of species such as sugarcane can help reduce this soil loss and decline in quality, while also making it possible to obtain renewable and abundant raw materials for the chemical industry without changes or reductions in food production.
It is important to remember that soil health has a direct impact on the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Sugarcane cultivation can also be used for: soil bioremediation strategySince the plant has the ability to accumulate different metals (such as copper or mercury) and thus extract them from the soil.
We can’t forget that it’s an invasive species
The abundant biomass produced by common sugarcane, its production speed, and its resistance to drought and adverse climatic conditions (high solar radiation, low soil quality, possibility of using dirty water, low need for pesticides or fertilizers) make this plant important. One of the most interesting methods for obtaining products following the scheme of a biorefinery.
Also, different authors say that this plant great potential to stop soil lossIt is particularly relevant to the Mediterranean environment. But, Its invasive potential cannot be ignored, especially in regions with high biodiversity. and with great precision, like the Canary archipelago.
Even so, responsible cultivation and appropriate environmental management can reduce the devastating effects of soil loss from poor practices, drought and high salinity. It is important to remember that it must be done responsibly, Avoiding wetlands and using only marginal, contaminated or high salinity soilsand poor quality water (such as wastewater). All this only in regions less susceptible to potential expansion.
In summary, to ensure that it is a truly sustainable product, the risk of infestation must be ensured to be low. This will allow large amounts of biomass to be obtained for a wide range of crops, conservation of soils and their better use, resulting in better health and conservation status of the ecosystem.
Zaida Cristina Ortega Medina is University Professor at the Department of Process Engineering at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Luis Adargoma Suárez García holds a Ph.D. Student, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Reference article: https://theconversation.com/la-cana-es-una-epecie-invasora-pero-su-uso-controlado-podria-ser-beneficioso-20825
Contact address of the environmental department:[email protected]
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