Natural Biodegradation Test of Biomass

This project aims to study natural biodegradation rate for three different types of biomass that are empty fruit bunch, mesocarp fiber and kernel shell for 84 days of biodegradation. The biodegradation rate can be measured by comparing the change of certain parameters such as moisture content, elemental analysis, calorific value, ash content and lignocelluloses content over a period of time.
Currently there are many researches on improving the usage of biomass by applying pre-treatment technologies such as torrefaction and pyrolysis. Despite the effectiveness of these technologies, the final products depend on the biomass composition such as lignocelluloses content and calorific value. Therefore, it is important to study the change in characteristics of biomass before proceeding with the pre-treatment technology.
Different parameters were analyzed using different methodologies. The value for moisture content was determined by drying the biomass for 24 hours with the temperature of 105oC. Muffle furnace was used to measure the ash content in biomass, while elemental analysis and calorific value required CHNS analyzer and bomb calorimeter, respectively. Lignocelluloses analysis was done by chemical experiments which required certain chemicals and techniques.
From the analysis and observations done in this project, biodegradation process resulted in decreased of moisture content, carbon content, calorific value and lignin content of biomass. On the other hand, nitrogen content and ash content of biomass increased due to biodegradation.