Nutrient recovery and pollutant removal during renewable fuel production: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Stimulated by the desire to achieve a Net Zero energy economy, the demand for renewable fuels is growing rapidly. The production of toxic waste streams that accompanies the transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels is often overlooked. These waste streams include, among others, thiols and ammonia, and benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). When suitable treatment technologies are available, these compounds can be converted to valuable nutrients. In this opinion article, we provide an overview of expected waste streams and their characteristics. We indicate future challenges for associated waste streams, such as the lag in developing resource recovery technologies. Furthermore, we discuss unexploited opportunities to recover valuable nutrients from these waste streams.

Keywords: Net Zero; ammonia; aromatic compounds; renewable fuel; thiol.