Feasibility of using phytoremediation biomass for sustainable biofuel production via thermochemical conversion

Abstract

This study explores a novel approach that combines soil recovery with biofuel production, presenting a strategy that addresses the increasing demand for biofuels while sidestepping the food–fuel debate. It also introduces an innovative method for recovering heavy metals from soils through their translocation into the solid product of the conversion process. Phytoremediation trials were conducted under real field conditions, and the thermochemical conversion of the harvested biomass was carried out at lab scale. Field trials took place in 2021–2023 in Lithuania and Serbia. In Serbia, the contamination primarily involved heavy metals, whereas the Lithuanian site was predominantly contaminated with hydrocarbons from petroleum products. The harvested biomass underwent pretreatment and was then used as feedstock for conversion into high-energy carriers. The conversion products were evaluated for their potential to substitute fossil fuels. Finally, the value chain, encompassing key stakeholders and factors impacting the profitability of this approach, was established, and initial estimates were made regarding the size of individual cost components.