Comparison of the gaseous and particulate matter emissions from the combustion of agricultural and forest biomasses.
The aim of this study was to compare gaseous and particulate matter (PM) emissions from the combustion of agricultural (switchgrass, fast-growing willow and the dried solid fraction of pig manure) and forest (wood mixture of Black Spruce and Jack Pine) biomasses in a small-scale unit (17.58kW). Concentrations of CO2, CO, CH4, NO2, NH3, N2O, SO2, HCl, and H2O were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and converted into emission rates. Opacity was also evaluated and particulates were sampled. Results showed significantly higher emissions of SO2, NO2 and PM with the combustion of agricultural biomass compared to the forest biomass. However, further studies should be carried out so regulations can be adapted in order to permit the combustion of agricultural biomass in small-scale combustion units.
Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA), Quebec City, Quebec G1P 3W8, Canada.
Patrick
P
Brassard
Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA), Quebec City, Quebec G1P 3W8, Canada.
Joahnn H
JH
Palacios
Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA), Quebec City, Quebec G1P 3W8, Canada. Electronic address: stephane.godbout@irda.qc.ca.
Stéphane
S
Godbout
Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Saguenay, Quebec G7H 2B1, Canada.
Denis
D
Bussières
Department of Soil and Agri-Food Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada.
Robert
R
Lagacé
Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA), Quebec City, Quebec G1P 3W8, Canada.
Jean-Pierre
JP
Larouche
Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA), Quebec City, Quebec G1P 3W8, Canada.
Frédéric
F
Pelletier
D000383:Agriculture; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D000818:Animals; D018533:Biomass; D065928:Forests; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008372:Manure / Q000032:analysis; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D008897:Panicum / Q000737:chemistry; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D011792:Quebec; D032108:Salix / Q000737:chemistry; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors
D008372:Manure; D052638:Particulate Matter; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide
Agricultural biomass; Combustion; Gaseous emissions; Particulate matter