Evaluation of Thermochemical Characteristics and Pyrolysis of Fish Processing Waste for Renewable Energy Feedstock

The necessity of energy is continuously increasing, whereas fossil fuel sources are gradually depleting. To mitigate this problem, fish processing waste of the bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii), available in the Borneo region, was investigated for an alternative feedstock of bioenergy production. The fish wastes are hazardous for the environment, whereas the biodiesel from fish waste is pollution-free and produces less contaminant gas and carbon dioxide than fossil fuel. From the proximate analysis, the moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content of the fish waste were achieved as 4.88%, 63.80%, 15.03%, and 16.29%, respectively. The proportion of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen was found as 42.06%, 5.99%, 10.77%, 0.91%, and 40.27%, respectively, from the ultimate analysis. The calorific value was 21.53 MJ/kg, which would be highly effective in biofuel production. The morphology analysis results of the biomass are favorable for renewable energy sources. The major bondage between carbon and hydrogen and oxygen was found using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry revealed that the highest weight loss occurred at 352 degrees C temperature with a decomposition rate of 4.57 wt.%/min in pyrolysis circumstances, and at 606 degrees C temperature with a decomposition rate of 3.77 wt.%/min in combustion conditions. In the pyrolysis process for 25 degrees C/min heating rate, the yield of biochar, bio-oil, and bio-syngas was found as 33.96, 29.34, 23.46% at 400 degrees C, 47.72, 49.32, 33.87% at 500 degrees C, and 18.32, 21.34, 42.37% at 600 degrees C, respectively. The characteristics and pyrolysis yields of fish waste are suitable for being an effective renewable energy source.

Automated summary

This study investigates the feasibility of using fish processing waste of the bluespotted stingray as an alternative feedstock for bioenergy production. The biodiesel derived from fish waste is found to be pollution-free and produces less contaminant gas and carbon dioxide than fossil fuel. The characteristics and pyrolysis yields of fish waste make it a suitable effective renewable energy source.