Investigation of appropriate disposal methods of seagrass biomass with the focus on Posidonia oceanica

Bc. Jan Faktor

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Objectives of the thesis: The main objective of this Thesis is to discuss and evaluate different strategies and technologies for the utilization of the seagrass necromass as well as to confront the ideas and conclusions from various experts on this topic. Introduction: Seagrass meadows play an important role within the local ecosystems of the Mediterranean and significantly influence its productivity, and functionality and ensure the thriving of an ecosystem. Its meadows provide various services to the ecosystem ranging from oxygen provision, shelter to the fish and protection of the seafloor and sea banks from erosion. However, vast amounts of its biomass by-product annually cover extensive parts of the shores of the states located on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea. As its shores are a popular tourist destination the residues of seagrasses create numerous inconveniences affecting the environmental, social, hygienic, and consequently economic prosperity of affected places. Resulting in high removal costs and improper disposal of the matter in landfills or dumped elsewhere. To prevent these annual removal expenses, new biomass removal and use solutions should be found. Therefore, proposals for new appropriate disposal methods will be needed. As biomass has been one of the preferred sources of alternative energy lately, this option seems to be one of the most viable ways, how to reduce the costs of disposal and at the same time profit from the energy production. Most importantly, what characteristics does the material have and how it effectively improves its properties to achieve greater results in its applications within solid biofuel production. Methods: Sample collection, preparation and analysis and consecutive evaluation. Determine the initial parameters of the material, its composition etc. Experiment with water treatment to investigate its impacts on the properties of the material (which will be done with 2 different water samples and 6 different times). The experiment focused on biochar production at 3 different temperatures.

Keywords

posidonia oceanica biofuel, sea wrack valorization, posidonia oceanica removal, posidonia oceanica biomass pyrolysis, banquette removal

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 5. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 30. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: doc. Bc. Ing. Tatiana Alexiou Ivanova, Ph.D.
• Reader: Jakub Čedík, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme:
Agri-food Systems and Rural Development