4 research outputs found
Life cycle cost and economic assessment of biochar-based bioenergy production and biochar land application in Northwestern Ontario, Canada
No full textBackground
Replacement of fossil fuel based energy with biochar-based bioenergy production can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and global warming. However, the production of biochar-based bioenergy depends on a sustainable supply of biomass. Although, Northwestern Ontario has a rich and sustainable supply of woody biomass, a comprehensive life cycle cost and economic assessment of biochar-based bioenergy production technology has not been done so far in the region.
Methods
In this paper, we conducted a thorough life cycle cost assessment (LCCA) of biochar-based bioenergy production and its land application under four different scenarios: 1) biochar production with low feedstock availability; 2) biochar production with high feedstock availability; 3) biochar production with low feedstock availability and its land application; and 4) biochar production with high feedstock availability and its land application- using SimaPro®, EIOLCA® software and spreadsheet modeling. Based on the LCCA results, we further conducted an economic assessment for the break-even and viability of this technology over the project period.
Results
It was found that the economic viability of biochar-based bioenergy production system within the life cycle analysis system boundary based on study assumptions is directly dependent on costs of pyrolysis, feedstock processing (drying, grinding and pelletization) and collection on site and the value of total carbon offset provided by the system. Sensitivity analysis of transportation distance and different values of C offset showed that the system is profitable in case of high biomass availability within 200 km and when the cost of carbon sequestration exceeds CAD $60 per tonne of equivalent carbon (CO2e).
Conclusions
Biochar-based bioenergy system is economically viable when life cycle costs and environmental assumptions are accounted for. This study provides a medium scale slow-pyrolysis plant scenario and we recommend similar experiments with large-scale plants in order to implement the technology at industrial scale
Additional file 1: of Life cycle cost and economic assessment of biochar-based bioenergy production and biochar land application in Northwestern Ontario, Canada
No full textLife Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA). (XLSX 735 kb
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Biochar Banquet & Demonstrations
No full textIn the Student Union Ballroom of the Campus Center at UMass Amherst, the Pioneer Valley Biochar Initiative will host a Biochar Banquet & Demonstration – tickets available here. Various food stations will feature locally grown produce grown in biochar conditioned soil, as well as a variety of meats, beverages and desserts enhanced by biochar. Come learn about this fascinating material and how it is benefiting agriculture and our climate. Monday October 14th beginning at 5pm with live biochar making demonstrations, poster presentations, book signings and more. Another very exciting feature of this Biochar Banquet is the Keynote Presentation by Frances Moore Lappe. Affectionately known as "Frankie", Moore Lappe is the renown author of Diet for a Small Planet, EcoMind and co-author of Hope's Edge with her daughter Anna Lappe. We will be regaled with tales of gastronomic excursions, forays into food and more! • • • Enjoy a variety of food stations featuring local items items grown in biochar conditioned soil. Sample meats and beverages that have been prepared with or enhanced by biochar and observe a variety of farm to plate many demonstrations and examples. Anyone interested in soil and healthy local food will be enriched by the Biochar Banquet. And anyone who wants to grow nutritious food, sink carbon in the soil, or utilize the filtration and remineralization properties of biochar will benefit from this tasty, yet educational event. I am a local farmer interested in participating or learning more. Who do I contact for details? Karen Ribeiro can be reached at [email protected]
Clinical spectrum and management of dystonia in patients with Japanese encephalitis: A systematic review
No full textAbstract Background Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a potentially fatal viral infection with a wide range of manifestations and can also present with a variety of movement disorders (MD) including dystonia. Dystonic features in JE are uncommon. Here, we have tried to summarize the clinical features and management of dystonia among JE patients with a comprehensive literature search. Methods Various databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, were searched against the predefined criteria using suitable keywords combination and boolean operations. Relevant information from observational and case studies was extracted according to the author, dystonic features, radiological changes in the brain scans, treatment options, and outcome wherever provided. Result We identified 19 studies with a total of 1547 JE patients, the diagnosis of which was confirmed by IgM detection in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid in the majority of the patients (88.62%). 234 (15.13%) of JE patients had dystonia with several types of focal dystonia being present in 131 (55.98%) either alone or in combination. Neuroimaging showed predominant involvement of thalami, basal ganglia, and brainstem. Oral medications including anticholinergics, GABA agonists, and benzodiazepines followed by botulinum toxin were the most common treatment modalities. Conclusion Dystonia can be a disabling consequence of JE, and various available medical therapies can significantly improve the quality of life. Owing to insufficient studies on the assessment of dystonia associated with JE, longitudinal studies with a larger number of patients are warranted to further clarify the clinical course, treatment, and outcome of dystonia
