Environmental Impacts of Biocoke Fuel Production from Agricultural Waste

Abstract

Biocoke fuel, derived from agricultural waste, is an emerging alternative to fossil fuels due to its lower environmental impact. This study investigates the ecological effects of biocoke production from Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB), rice husks, and corn stalks. The research focuses on biocoke yield efficiency, air emissions, heavy metal contamination, and life cycle assessment (LCA). The highest biocoke yield was observed at 400°C, with EFB achieving 65%, corn stalks 60%, and rice husks 55%. Gas emissions analysis showed CO2 emissions ranging between 1100–1200 ppm, approximately 50% lower than conventional coal combustion. Heavy metal analysis detected trace amounts of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), remaining within safe limits but necessitating proper disposal of biocoke ash. The LCA results indicated a 50–70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when substituting coal with biocoke, with the lowest carbon footprint recorded for EFB-based biocoke at 30 kg CO2 equivalent, compared to coal at 100 kg CO2 equivalent. While biocoke presents environmental advantages, concerns over large-scale production, biomass sustainability, and potential soil degradation require further study. Future research should focus on optimizing production processes, improving emissions control, and assessing industrial applications. Overall, this study highlights the potential of biocoke as a sustainable energy source, contributing significantly to carbon emission reduction and renewable energy development.