A simple tool for resource availability optimization: A case study of dairy whey supply for single cell protein and oil production in Latvia

Single cell proteins (SCP) and oils (SCO) are promising alternatives for replacing conventional feed ingredients in animal and aquaculture fish feeds. The production costs of SCP and SCO need to be reduced by using inexpensive substrates (production by-products) suitable for cultivation of protein and oil producing microorganisms. This article reviews the availability of milk processing by-product – whey in Latvia, in 2019. Additionally, a simple production plant location optimization model is proposed, where no prior knowledge of location optimization or experience with dedicated software is required from the user. The case study demonstrated that the model is valid, and it can be used as a simple tool for resource acquisition from multiple sources to single production plant

Analysis of Arabidopsis defensin-like genes and ovule development during fertilization and Fusarium infection

ArticleDefensins are small, highly stable antimicrobial peptides. Many defensin-like (DEFL) peptides found in flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana are believed to have role in either natural immunity or cell-to-cell communication during fertilization. However, little is known about the DEFL peptides and their functions during these events. The goal of this work is to investigate the genes encoding selected DEFLs by observing their expression patterns during fertilization and Fusarium graminearum infection. According to the results 4 selected genes of interest (GOI) are downregulated after fertilization and infection and mock treatments are causing degradation and delay of development in treated ovules

Single cell oil production from waste biomass: review of applicable agricultural by-products

ArticleSingle cell oil (SCO) is an attractive alternative source of oils, since it can be used as feedstock in biofuel production and also have been recognized as viable option in production of essential fatty acids suitable for either human nutrition or as supplementary in animal feeds. However, the usability of SCO is limited due to the high price of raw materials used in the fermentation process. This problem can be tackled by using low-cost agro-industrial residues which are applicable for SCO production. Use of these by-products as the main carbon source in fermentations not only significantly reduces the overall production costs of SCO, but also enables treatment of generated waste streams, thus reducing the negative impact on environment. Since various biodegradable agro-industrial by-products can be used in microbial fermentations, this review aims to categorize and compare applicable agricultural residues by their availability, necessary pre-fermentation treatments, SCO yields and current usability in other competing sectors

Psychrophilic plug-flow digester with assisted solar heat – small-scale system feasibility

Received: February 1st, 2023 ; Accepted: April 27th, 2023 ; Published: May 18th, 2023 ; Correspondence: [email protected] discusses using a low-temperature biogas reactor with a solar support system technology as a management tool of biodegradable waste in small scale. A feasibility study looks at primary factors affecting anaerobic digestion process and solar heat production, design examination of a solar heating for anaerobic digester and possible technology application, also defines the multilocality of biogas, illustrates diffusion of innovation for diversification of biogas production. Analysis confirms solar heat increases efficiency and production of biogas, decreases costs and toxicity of digestate. Results show that for implementation of technology in rural areas further research in socio-economic, sourcing of feedstock and customization is needed

Hybrid System with Biomethanation for Wind Energy Accumulation in the Baltic Countries

AbstractRenewable electrical energy use has great advantages, especially in case of solar and wind energy. Among these – resource sustainability is the biggest advantage. Some renewable energy resources are related to the irregularity of the energy source. One of the most promising technologies is biogas biomethanation with hydrogen, the model of which is analyzed in this article. The methodology developed allows one to analyze the broad spectrum of hybrid systems with biomethanation for wind energy accumulation where the accumulation of wind energy potential, on the one side, meets the interests of the biogas station which can utilize this energy

The potential use of invasive plant species as solid biofuel by using binders

ArticleThe aim of the current research is to find sustainable pellet resources that are not made from forestry, agricultural materials, or food products. Evaluation has been carried out by experimentally determining the biofuel parameters of two invasive plant sp ecies. In comparison to the process of finding a new application, their use in the production of solid biofuel pellets would not require additional investment for the construction of a new pellet production plant. The article’s hypothesis suggests that bio fuel parameters for invasive plant species are sufficient for the production of solid biofuel and that their properties can be improved by binders that are available wor ldwide in the form of residues. The experiment was carried out for two invasive plant s pecies that are widespread in Latvia – Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden and Solidago canadensis L . The binders used include potato peel waste and spent coffee grounds. All of the tests have been carried out according to ISO standards on biofuel testing. Results show that H sosnowskyi is more suitable for solid biofuel than S canadensis as it has a higher calorific value and an ash content that is two times lower – 3wt%. Coffee grounds are a suitable binder b ecause they increase calorific value. The type and amount of binders partly confirms the hypothesis, since both binders reduced the amount of ash in pellets. Further research is needed to carry out pellet durability tests. It is also necessary to carry out an economic analysis in order to evaluate how beneficial it may be to use H sosnowskyi as a solid fuel in existing pellet production plants, thereby avoiding large initial investments and not encouraging the cultiva tion of invasive plant species

Single cell protein production from waste biomass: review of various agricultural by-products

ArticleAgricultural waste constitutes for most of the manmade waste streams. Processing of biodegradable waste materials ensures the treatment of harmful substances and allows to reduce environmental pollution. In addition, conversion of these waste materials in value - added products makes these recycling methods more economically viable. Single - cell protein is one of the value - added products that can be produced by microbial fermentation of waste materials. In this review various biodegradable agricultural by - prod ucts as substrates for production of SCP are categorized and compared

Evaluation of bioresources validation

Received: January 31st, 2021 ; Accepted: May 2nd, 2021 ; Published: May 6th, 2021 ; Correspondence: [email protected] major worldwide problem is the degradation of energy sources and the wide amount of waste products from industries, households, or from any other human activities. But what if both problems can be solved by one solution? Extensive data show that validation of bioresources increases the production of the value-added product. The assessment is based on a scenario approach. A vast literature review was performed, to investigate the alternative application pathways for various types of non-primary bioresources. Multicriteria analysis is considered as the current gold standard technique for bioresources valorisation and is proved for two cases. Firstly, we present tests that evaluate the performance of different pre-treatment methods in order to extract fibre from Hogweed biomass. Secondly, we assess the resilience of our approach using Multi-criteria analysis for brewers’ spent grain to find out the best value-added product. The results demonstrate the adequacy of the method for Hogweed biomass and brewers’ spent grain valorisation

Prospect on agro-industrial residues usage for biobutanol production

Received: February 13th, 2021 ; Accepted: May 2nd, 2021 ; Published: May 18th, 2021 ; Correspondence: [email protected] changes, environmental pollution and resource depletion are one of the numerous major problems humanity faces. United Nations sustainable development goals are aimed at solving these problems. The requirement for affordable, renewable, sustainable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly fossil fuel alternative sources is prompted by the development and advancement of biofuel production technologies. Of the various biofuel alternatives, biobutanol has increased the interests of researchers due to its desirable characteristics such as hydrophobicity, relatively high heating value and energy density, relatively low vapour pressure, etc. Nowadays, sustainable production of the biobutanol depends on the used feedstock source and its pre-treatment method, selected enhancing microorganism strain, acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation effectiveness and titer of biobutanol. The main research challenges in biobutanol production are an improvement of production efficiency and increasing the financial viability of the technology. This review summarizes the latest results of lignocellulosic components content and fermentable sugars composition in different agro-industrial residues; biobutanol production depending on the Clostridium enhancing strategy, process optimization and selection of substrate. Such analysis provides a better perception of the capability of using agro-industrial residues for biobutanol production efficiency

A holistic vision of bioeconomy: the concept of transdisciplinarity nexus towards sustainable development

ArticleCurrent issue of bioeconomy development has been largely addressed on a linear or interdisciplinary level, however holistic view of bioeconomy requires a transdisciplinary system analysis. Developed methodology clarifies vision on bioeconomy definition, bioeconomy disciplines and disciplinary definition in context of nexus interlinkage, in the result concept of transdisciplinary approach connection to bioeconomy is determined as processes for sustainable bioeconomy, that not only replace fossil resources with biobased resources, but strengthens different disciplines, taken into account interlinkages, knowledge, and stakeholders and limitations set by planetary boundaries, different dimensions should be included in transition towards sustainable bioeconomy. Methodology bases on critical literature analysis. Different bioeconomy disciplines are defined and the obtained results are represented graphically. The obtained results can be used for further research as a transdisciplinarity basis of the bioeconomy, studying specific systems, factors influencing them and evaluating potential scenarios and their impacting tools. Results from implementing holistic vision would provide practical benefit to policy makers and industry actors by providing an analysis how to improve industrial practice, policy and how more effectively transfer to sustainable bioeconomy