A Research Paper Proposal

On

Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Plants as possible biomass fuel

By

Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
MSC 2001129903

In partial fulfillment for the requirements

on

Advances in Environmental Chemistry

Submitted to

Dra. Kathlia De Castro-Cruz, PhD

Mapua University
Muralla Sr. Intramuros, Manila Philippines
June 30, 2017
Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

Table of Contents

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................ 3

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM .......................................................................................................... 5

OBJECTIVES................................................................................................................................................ 5

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ............................................................................................................. 6

METHODOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN............................................................................. 6

FRESH SAMPLE PREPARATION ..............................................................................................................................7

Azolla Pinnata.......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Dendrocalamus Asper .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Leucaena Leucocephala ...................................................................................................................................... 8

SAMPLE ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................................................................8

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 11

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

Background of the Study

It is clearly evident that global warming and climate change is an issue that has to be
addressed to ensure future survival of mankind and our planet. The reduction of Carbon
Dioxide (CO2) emissions to the atmosphere is one are in environmental chemistry that has
been heavily studied. One of the many mitigating actions involves the use of an alternative
fuel to the traditional fossil fuel where we heavily rely on. It is also a fact that fossil fuel will
eventually be exhausted at some period in time. What makes alternative fuel attractive and
environmentally friendly is the fact that it has a lower carbon emission compared to the
traditional fossil fuel, as well as it should be renewable and sustainable. The Merriam
Webster dictionary has defined alternative fuel as : a fuel for internal combustion
engines that is derived partly or wholly from a source other than petroleum and
that is less damaging to the environment than traditional fuels.
According to data from the NASA, atmospheric carbon dioxide has reached
406 ppm as of May 2017, and is still rising. With this increasing trend technology
and science have been finding ways on how to significantly reduce CO 2 emissions. A
promising approach which can be applied to already existing industries is the use of
biomass as an alternative fuel for combustion. Employing biomass derive d from
plant material is considered to have a neutral carbon footprint [1] . In Europe and
Canada, where paper mills and forest are present many utilities use wood chips
instead fossil fuel, as well as in Asia the use of Solid Refuse Fuel (SRF) and biomass
feed to power plant boilers are also being done. In the Philippines, Industries
utilizing biomass are usually those in the sugar industry where they use the
bagasse waste product as feedstock [2]. In the Philippines, where most energy is
derived from coal at 37% [3] in which 65% is imported [4]. The high dependency on
imported fossil fuel makes locally sourced alternative to coa l and fossil fuel an
attractive option in for both environmental aspects and econom ics.
Another promising source of energy is that originating from municipal solid
waste, in the form of Solid Refuse Fuel (SRF) . In Europe the use of SRF appears a
low-cost renewable energy source that could be used replacing fossil fuels as an
alternative in energy intensive operations [5]. Although in SRF careful selection of
the treatment processes is of primary importance both from the economical,

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

environmental and energy recovery point of view [5] since one of the challenges
faced in SRF is the inconsistent energy content of the product, due to the diverse
composition of municipal solid waste.
The use of plant derived fuel source, has long been practiced by humans
ever since the first primates burned wood to build a fire. Due to growing awareness
o n the depletion of fossil fuel sources and environmental damage brought about
by fossil fuel. The use of plant derived fuel has become an attractive alternative.
The Philippine archipelago has a very rich and diverse flo ra with many
promising species for possible alternative fuel. An aquatic plant recently gaining
very much popularity due to its rapid propagation rate, high nutrient content and
waste water sequestration potential is the Azolla Fern. Azolla pinnata (mosquito fern,
water fern) is a genus with seven species found in ponds, ditches, and wetlands through out
the world, from temperate to tropical regions . This aquatic plant is one of the fastest
growing plants capable of doubling its biomass every 5–6 days . Growing on artificial media,
waste waters and maturation ponds, its productivity can vary between 2.9 and 5.8 g
dw/m2-day [6]. The chemical composition of Azolla’s biomass contains a unique
combination of bioenergy molecules found in lignocellulosic, starch- and oil-producing
terrestrial bio - energy crops, microalgal and cyanobacterial species. Ability to grow on
wastewaters and high growth and productivity rates makes Azolla species a most attractive
feedstock for low cost, low energy demanding, near zero maintenance system for
production of a wide spectrum of biofuels [6] .
Another fast growing plant found endemic to the Philippines is the giant bamboo,
Dendrocalamus asper . In theory, bamboo biomass can replace fossil fuel since it is a
renewable resources and can be processed to make different kinds of fuels (solid, liquid and
gaseous fuels). Various technologies can be applied to transform bamboo biomass into other
form of energy including thermal conversion (direct combustion, gasification and pyrolysis)
and biochemical conversion. The products of these processes which can be commercialized
are charcoal, syngas, oil and ethanol [7] Compare to most energy crops, bamboo biomass
has better fuel characteristics. It can grow in degraded land so that it require less care and
less compete with food crops for land. However, bamboo takes time to mature and is hard
to harvest. [7]
Widely distributed in the mountainous provinces of the Philippines is the Ipil-ipil
tree, Leucaena leucocephala. Leucaena leucocephala or ipil-ipil tree produces 1n general,
considerable amounts of fuelwood. The form of the tree stem does not however,

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

consistently produce high quality timber (logs, poles). This tr'ee species has proven to adapt
well to difficult edaphic and climatic conditions in every region [8]. Its potential as a
fuelwood tree is unquestionable. Possibly, studies and careful selection of seed trees could
identify tree stoel, with a better form, thus increasing its usefulness as a producer of"
timber, while maintaining its characteristics as a fast growing and adaptable tree [8].
The widespread availability of azolla, bamboo and ipil-ipil as well as recent studies
on their potential for fuel make them viable candidates for investigation of use as a biomass
feedstock for commercial and industrial use in the Philippines.

Statement of the Problem

The potential environmental and economic advantages of biomass use as a fuel

feedstock is very attractive, given the high dependency of the philippines on imported fossil
fuel. Based on data from the Department of Energy the contribution of Biomass to the 2011
power mix is at 0% [3].
Heavy dependency on fossil fuel also translates to high carbon emissions
contributing to more Carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and further increasing
environmental damage brought about by climate change. Carbon dioxide reduction at the
source by utilizing fuel with less or a neutral carbon footprint would be beneficial.
Also to take into consideration is the fact that fossil fuel is a limited source and a
large dependency may hurt the countries development once supply starts to become scarce.

Objectives

This study proposes to investigate for possible candidates for biomass fuel derived from
endemic plants to the Philippines with the following objectives:

 To investigate the potential of indigenous rapid propagating Philippine flora with

potential for alternative fuel for combustion

 To investigate Carbon dioxide emissions of proposed alternative fuel sources against

fossil fuels and other accepted biomass fuels.

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

The first objective of the study anchors on the criteria that a potential biomass source
can be easily cultivated, can rapidly propagate to ensure that supply can cope up with large
demand if biomass where to be utilized in an industrial scale, and as fuel for combustion has
a significantly comparable energy content to fossil fuels.
The second objective investigates the global warming potential of the proposed biomass
fuel. There have been arguments that biomass cannot be consider carbon neutral since
burning biomass produces Carbon dioxide to some extent higher than natural gas , but the
carbon neutrality of biomass harvested from sustainably-managed forests has been recognized
repeatedly by an abundance of studies, agencies, institutions, legislation and rules around the world,
including the guidance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the reporting protocols
of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [9].
Also to be explored is any side advantages the biomass source will contribute, such as possible
carbon sequestration capability, and waste fixation capability for the case of azolla.

Significance of the Study

Subsequent results to this proposal would provide much needed information to

establish and create a sustainable program for use of alternative fuel using easily
propagated and sustainable local plant species. Not only will it help reduce dependency on
fossil fuels, but cultivation and managed harvesting of proposed fuels can also contribute to
natural CO2 sequestration. Post combustion data, will also provide evidence if Carbon
Dioxide emissions will be reduced, as well as evaluation of the carbon cycle from plant
cultivation to after combustion.
Economic and social advantages can also be exploited in the cultivation of the
biomass which can help alleviate local farmers.

Methodology and Experimental Design

The candidate plant species:

Table 1: Plant Species for Investigation

1. Azolla pinnata 2. Dendrocalamus asper 3. Leucaena leucocephala

All test will be adopted from acceptable standard analysis for coal:

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

Azolla Pinnata samples will be collecte from the University of the Philippines Los
Banos, while Dendrocalamus asper and Leucaena leucocephala samples will be collected
from Brgy. Polo, Pagbilao Quezon.

The plant species for consideration will be analyzed for the following parameters:
Table 2: Fuel Parameters for Analysis
Fuel Parameters
Azolla Dendrocalamus Leucaena
pinnata asper leucocephala
Calorific Value kcal/kg kcal/kg kcal/kg
Moisture % % %
Ash % % %
Sulfur % % %
Volatile Combustible Matter % % %
Fixed Carbon % % %

Table 3: Fuel Emission Parameters for Analysis

Fuel Emission Parameters
Azolla Dendrocalamus Leucaena
pinnata asper leucocephala
Carbon Dioxide ppm ppm ppm
Carbon Monoxide ppm ppm ppm
Sulfur Oxides ppm ppm ppm
Nitrogen Oxides ppm ppm ppm

Parameters were based on standard parameters for the analysis of coal as reference.

Fresh Sample Preparation

Azolla Pinnata

Fresh samples will be sun dried for 10 hours for 3 days, or until no more free
moisture can be observed. 5 kg of anhydrous samples , will be mixed and homogenized via a
classifier and sieved with a tyler mesh 4 screen (4.76 mm) , 2 kg of passing samples will be
collected.
The collected sample will spread out in 2 pans and dried till constant weight (Air
Dried Loss, ADL) at 35 deg C. Free moisture will be determined.

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

After ADL of samples, sample preparation analysis in accordance with ASTM D346.

Dendrocalamus Asper

Fresh samples will be roughly chopped to 1 in diameter chips followed by sun drying
for 10 hours for 1 days, or until no more free moisture can be observed. 5 kg of dried
samples will be further reduced via jaw crusher until passing tyler mesh 4, then mixed and
homogenized vi classifier, 2 kg of passing samples will be collected.
The collected sample will spread out in 2 pans and dried till constant weight (Air
Dried Loss, ADL) at 35 deg C. Free moisture will be determined.
After ADL of samples, sample preparation analysis in accordance with ASTM D346.

Leucaena Leucocephala

Fresh samples will be roughly chopped to 1 in diameter chips followed by sun drying
for 10 hours for 1 days, or until no more free moisture can be observed. 5 kg of dried
samples will be further reduced via jaw crusher until passing tyler mesh 4, then mixed and
homogenized vi classifier, 2 kg of passing samples will be collected.
The collected sample will spread out in 2 pans and dried till constant weight (Air
Dried Loss, ADL) at 35 deg C. Free moisture will be determined.
After ADL of samples, sample preparation analysis in accordance with ASTM D346.

Sample Analysis

All samples for analysis will be at constant weight after ADL determination. Each
analysis will be done in 2 trials will be averaged and calculated for standard deviation. All
analytical instrumentation to be used will be calibrated against NIST traceable standard
reference materials. Chromatographic Analysis will be calibrated will be calibrated with 5
points, with a minimum R2 of 0.9990. All reagents used will be analytical grade, not unless
otherwise specified. Below are the standard methods to be used, major analytical
instrumentation for parameter for analysis.

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

Table 4: Standard Methods and Major Equipment for Parameter/Activity

Standard
Methods
for Major
Parameter/Activity
Analysis Instrumetaion/Equipment
Procedure
Refference
Practice for Collection
ASTM and Preparation of Classifier/ Tyler Sieve/ Jaw
Sample Collection
D346 Coke Samples for Crusher/ Oven/ Pulverizer
Laboratory Analysis
Test Methods for
Proximate Analysis of
ASTM Coal and Coke by Thermogravimetric
Moisture/Ash/VCM
D7582 Macro Analyzer
Thermogravimetric
Analysis
Standard Test
ASTM Method for Isoperibol Bomb
Calorific Value
D5865-13 Gross Calorific Value Calorimeter
of Coal and Coke
Determination of
US EPA
Total Reduced Sulfur
Sulfur Oxides Method Gas Chromatograph
Emissions From
16B
Stationary Sources

Carbon monoxide, Gas Analysis for the

US EPA
Carbon Dioxide, Determination of Dry Orsat Analyzer
Method 3
Oxygen Molecular Weight

Determination of
US EPA
Nitrogen Oxide
Nitrogen Oxides Method Ion Chromatograph
Emissions From
7D
Stationary Sources

Comparison of existing Fuel data as well as studies of species with data show not a large
difference from obtained calorific values from other experiments.

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

Table 5: Existing Fuel Data

Pre Combustion Parameters

Indonesian SRF Type SRF Type Dendrocalamus Leucaena

Coal 1 3 Azolla asper leucocephala
Calorific
Value,
cal/kg 5500 5900 3580 4241 4200 4600

Moisture, % 9.43 ? ? ? 5.8 ?

Ash, % 13.99 ? ? ? 2.7 ?
Sulfur, % 0.56 ? ? 0.2 - 0.75 ? ?

Volatile
Combustible
Matter, % 29,97 ? ? ? 71.7 ?
Data sourced from: [5] , [9], [11], [20]

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Investigation of Fast Growing Philippines Catherine Firmase-Monarquia
Plants as possible biomass fuel
2001129903

References

[1] http://www.afandpa.org/issues/issues-group/carbon-neutrality-of-biomass
[2] www.doe.gov.ph/sites/default/files/pdf/renewable_energy/awarded_biomass
[3] https://www.doe.gov.ph/powermix
[4] https://www.doe.gov.ph/production-vs-importation
[5] Energy enhancement of solid recovered fuel within systems of conventional thermal
power generation
[6] Aquatic plant Azolla as the universal feedstock for biofuel production
[7] An Ha Truong, Thi My Anh Le. Overview of bamboo biomass for energy production.
2014.
[8] FUELWOOD AND BIOMASS YIELD TABLES FOR LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA CASSIA SIAMEA
AZADlRACHTA INDICA COLDBRINA ARBORESCENS EUCALYPTUS CAMADULENSIS PROSOPIS
JULIFLORA BY MARKO EHRLICH, Ph. D"
[9] https://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/halshs-01100209/document
[10] The Azolla, Michaela Sedláčková
[11] Agroforestry Database 4.0 (Orwa et al.2009)

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