Environmental impact study of bagasse valorization routes

TitleEnvironmental impact study of bagasse valorization routes
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsMandavgane, SArvind, Joglekar, S, Tandulje, AP, Kulkarni, BD
JournalWaste and Biomass Valorization
Volume10
Issue7
Pagination2067-2078
Date PublishedJAN
Type of ArticleArticle
ISSN1877-2641
KeywordsBagasse valorization, Environmental impact, LCA, Midpoint indicators
AbstractIndia is the world’s second largest sugarcane producer and a major manufacturer of molasses-derived ethanol. The sugarcane produced is widely used in the production of sugar and 1G ethanol. Though sugar and 1G ethanol are the major concerns, there is still a huge amount of bagasse waste generated in the sugar factories. This bagasse has also some end use value, as it can be utilized for production of methanol, 2G ethanol and electricity. Even though the technology for production of these value added products is well established, it is important to analyze the social, economical and environmental impacts associated with these production processes. This work compares the environmental impacts of various sugarcane conversion processes on life cycle basis. The functional unit used is one tonne of sugarcane cultivated in field. Four routes identified for bagasse conversion- conversion of bagasse to methanol (Route 1), conversion of bagasse to ethanol via 2 stage dilute acid process (Route 2), conversion of bagasse to ethanol via enzymatic process (Route 3) and electricity production from bagasse (Route 4). On comparison of these routes on midpoint indicators such as global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) and photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), it is observed that the methanol production is having the highest environmental indicator values. Even though ethanol production processes and cogeneration process are having nearly similar results, it can be said that cogeneration process is the more eco-friendly one.
DOI10.1007/s12649-018-0198-9
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)1.337
Divison category: 
Chemical Engineering & Process Development

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