Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 48-59 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 53 (Bach et al., 2019; Hasan et al., 2021; Mahari et al., 2021). The economic viability of industrial-scale pyrolysis projects depends on several factors, including feedstock availability, process efficiency, and market demand for biofuels and biochar. Successful projects have demonstrated that co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastics can significantly reduce operational costs and improve bio-oil yield and quality. The use of catalysts, such as CaO and Cu/HZSM-5, further enhances the quality of the bio-oil, making it competitive with fossil fuels. Moreover, the environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and effective waste management, contribute to the overall sustainability of the process (Uzoejinwa et al., 2018; Su et al., 2021). 4.3 Lessons learned from case studies Key success factors for pyrolysis projects include the selection of appropriate feedstock combinations, optimization of process parameters, and the use of advanced reactor designs. The synergistic effects observed in co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastics highlight the importance of feedstock selection. Optimizing parameters such as temperature, heating rate, and biomass-to-plastic ratio is crucial for maximizing bio-oil yield and quality. Additionally, the adoption of advanced reactor designs, such as microwave and fluidized bed reactors, enhances process efficiency and product quality (Elkhalifa et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2021; Vibhakar et al., 2022). Common pitfalls in pyrolysis projects include feedstock variability, inadequate process control, and environmental concerns. To avoid these issues, it is essential to implement robust feedstock sorting and pre-treatment processes to ensure consistency. Continuous monitoring and control of process parameters are necessary to maintain optimal operating conditions. Addressing environmental concerns requires the integration of emission control systems and adherence to regulatory standards. By learning from these challenges, future pyrolysis projects can achieve greater success and sustainability (Bach et al., 2019; Mahari et al., 2021; Hasan et al., 2021). 5 Environmental Impact and Sustainability 5.1 Emission control and environmental benefits Pyrolysis technology offers significant environmental benefits by reducing the emission of air pollutants compared to traditional waste disposal methods such as incineration and landfilling. The process converts hazardous waste materials, including plastics, tires, and medical waste, into useful products like gas, char, and pyrolysis oil, thereby minimizing soil and water pollution (Chew et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of waste oils in pyrolysis can produce high-grade biofuels with lower acid values when treated with specific catalysts, further reducing environmental hazards (Su et al., 2021). The rotary pyrolysis technique, in particular, has been highlighted for its efficiency in energy consumption and emission control, making it a viable option for municipal solid waste (MSW) management (Hasan et al., 2021). 5.2 Lifecycle assessment of pyrolysis processes Lifecycle assessments (LCA) of pyrolysis processes indicate that they are more sustainable compared to conventional waste management methods. Pyrolysis not only reduces the volume of waste but also generates valuable by-products that can be used as alternative energy sources, thus contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint (Sakthipriya, 2021). The co-pyrolysis of biomass and waste plastics has been shown to be more beneficial than biomass pyrolysis alone, offering a simple and effective solution to increase energy security and reduce dependency on fossil fuels (Uzoejinwa et al., 2018). Moreover, the application of pyrolysis in converting food waste to biochar has been found to be efficient, although more research is needed to optimize the process conditions (Elkhalifa et al., 2019). 5.3 Role in circular economy and waste reduction Pyrolysis plays a crucial role in promoting a circular economy by converting waste materials into valuable products, thereby reducing the need for virgin resources. The process supports the recycling of plastics and other waste materials (Figure 2) (Islam et al., 2010), turning them into fuels and raw materials for new products, which aligns with the principles of a circular economy (Sakthipriya, 2021). The valorization of municipal wastes through co-pyrolysis not only produces green energy but also enhances energy security and environmental sustainability (Mahari et al., 2021). Furthermore, the pyrolysis of spent coffee grounds has been proposed as an eco-social innovation, providing economic, environmental, and social benefits while engaging consumers in the circular economy (Matrapazi and Zabaniotou, 2020).
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