Browsing by Author "Storz, Henning"

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    Banana plant wastes for biofuels: indicators from characterization for thermochemical conversion
    (Taylor & Francis, 2026-03-19) Menya, Emmanuel; Wakatuntu, Joel; Turyasingura, Medard; Okot, Christopher; Storz, Henning; Kabenge, Isa; Kizito, Simon Savio; Komakech, Allan John; Olupot, Peter Wilberforce; Okello, Collins
    The banana value chain in Uganda generates a wide range of waste biomass, yet its suitability for thermochemical conversion remains largely unstudied. This study aimed to characterise banana rhizome, pseudostem, peduncle and inflorescences from Mbwazirume and Mpologoma cultivars in Uganda for potential use in thermochemical conversion processes. These wastes were characterised for lignocellulosic, proximate, elemental, and mineral composition, and higher heating value (HHV). Moisture content ranged from 9 to 14wt%, volatile matter 74-82%db, fixed carbon 12–17%db, and ash content 3-13%db. Inflorescences exhibited the highest lignin content (15.23–17.23%daf) and HHV (14.55–15.85 MJkg−1) across cultivars, suggesting higher suitability for biochar production compared to its counterparts. However, inflorescencesexhibited the highest nitrogen content (2.47–2.56%daf), suggesting higher NOx emissions potential. Inflorescences, rhizomes and peduncle exhibited higher ash content (6–13%db) than pseudostem (3.35–3.85%db), suggesting increased risk of slagging and fouling of heat transfer surfaces. Predominant mineral elements were found to be K (15888–28363 ppm), Ca (2000–9000 ppm), Si (2000–9000 ppm), and Mg (1120–4928 ppm), which can have catalytic functions during thermal decomposition. The low fuel ratio (0.16–0.22) of the wastes suggested poor fuel properties. These properties could be enhanced through torrefaction, making the wastes more suitable as sustainable feedstocks for biofuel production.
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    Progress in deployment of biomass-based activated carbon in point-of-use filters for removal of emerging contaminants from water: A review
    (Elsevier, 2023-03-01) Menya, Emmanuel; Jjagwe, Joseph; Mpagi Kalibbala, Herbert; Storz, Henning; Wilberforce Olupot, Peter
    Emerging contaminants (ECs) are increasingly being detected in drinking water, posing numerous public health concerns. Granular activated carbon (GAC) offers good prospects for removing ECs at point-of-use (POU), enabling households to have access to safe water. This paper reviews the current advances in the deployment of biomass-derived GACs (B-GACs) for the removal of ECs at POU. It highlights key sources, pathways, and impacts of ECs on public health. It also reveals preparation routes and performance aspects of B-GACs for POU water purification. Knowledge gaps on the subject matter were identified. The review revealed that shells of nuts, which are typically hard and of high density are the most investigated for valorisation into GAC for POU water purification. To encourage the wide application of B-GACs for POU water purification, there is a need to tailor available soft, low-density biomass wastes and suit them as GAC precursors for the removal of ECs at the point of use. Future studies need to focus on tailoring the production of B-GACs for the removal of specific ECs from water. Additional future research insights include the identification of re-generation options for B-GACs, options for removal of residual nanoparticles from the filtrate, lifecycle analysis, and costing of various GAC-based POU water filters.
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    Progress in deployment of biomass-based activated carbon in point-of-use filters for removal of emerging contaminants from water: A review
    (Elsevier, 2023-03-01) Menya, Emmanuel; Jjagwe, Joseph; Kalibbala, Herbert Mpagi; Storz, Henning; Olupot, Peter Wilberforce
    Emerging contaminants (ECs) are increasingly being detected in drinking water, posing numerous public health concerns. Granular activated carbon (GAC) offers good prospects for removing ECs at point-of-use (POU), enabling households to have access to safe water. This paper reviews the current advances in deployment of biomass-derived GACs (B-GACs) for removal of ECs at POU. It highlights key sources, pathways and impacts of ECs on public health. It also reveals preparation routes and performance aspects of B-GACs for POU water purification. Knowledge gaps on the subject matter were identified. The review revealed that shells of nuts, which are typically hard and of high density are the most investigated for valorization into GAC for POU water purification. To encourage wide application of B-GACs for POU water purification, there is need to tailor available soft, low-density biomass wastes and suit them as GAC precursors for removal of ECs at the point of use. Future studies need to focus on tailoring the production of B-GACs for removal of specific ECs from water. Additional future research insights include identification of regeneration options for B-GACs, options for removal of residual nanoparticles from the filtrate, lifecycle analysis and costing of various GAC-based POU water filters.