The potentials of Bambusa V. Vulgaris (bamboo) biomass as feedstock to produce biofuels

Abstract

Many technologies are now being prepared worldwide to convert stored energies in lignocellulosic materials such as bamboos to provide bioenergy in the form of heat, electricity, gas and transport fuel. This study investigated the fuel properties of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J. C. Wendl. var. vulgaris) feedstock to produce biofuels – heat, transport fuels, gas and electricity. In all, 1 200 samples were tested for morphological properties, physical properties, proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and ash elementals (minerals) analysis. The results showed that there is an interaction between ecological zones and the growth stages. The clump sizes ranged from 512cm to 622.33cm. However, there was no significant difference at 5% significance level among the three zones. Culm heights ranged from 9-14m, internode distance from 35-38mm, culm diameter from 8-10cm and culm wall thickness and 9-13mm were observed across the ecological zones. The culm wall thickness decreases from the base (9.10 cm) to the top (8.43 cm). The calorific value increases with increase wall thickness of the culm. The mean values for density ranged from 395 to 745 kg/m3 , bulk density ranged from 0.12 to 0.52 g/m3 , calorific values ranged from 12 to 18 MJKg-1 . Increase in the bamboo culm wall thickness has correspondent increase in density. The ash content ranged from 0.48 to 3.40%. The mean values for VM (76 – 84%), FC (14-16), C (46-52%), H (6.4-6.6%), N (0.12-1.3%) and O (40- 44%). The mean values for heavy metals (ppm) were Cu (1.3-7.6), Zn (2.95-4.87), Pb (0.04- 0.10), As (0.07-0.11), Ni (0.64-1.33) and Cd (0.79-4.21). The mean values for the minor metals (ppm) were Ca (26-29), K (0.6-2.4), Mg (0.13-0.18), P (0.06-0.18), Na (0.6-1.1), Al (0.14-0.21) and Fe (0.20-0.17). Mature and dead bamboo culms in any zone can be used for the production of charcoal and biofuels. The leaves of the studied bamboo specie had higher ash, nitrogen and cadmium contents than the culms. Removal of the leaves therefore is necessary when using bamboo for biofuels.