Melliferous potential and biomass waste valorization of Coriandrum sativum, Salvia hispanica, and Lavandula angustifolia for renewable energy applications

Abstract

We investigated some biological characteristics of Coriandrum sativum, Salvia hispanica, and Lavandula angustifolia. It was established that the studied plant species are characterized by an extended flowering period, providing food for bees from end May to mid-August, with a honey potential ranging from 60 to 330 kg/ha. The analysis of the lignocellulose composition of the collected waste biomass (dry stalks) indicated that the dry matter contained 357-504 g/kg cellulose, 197-248 g/kg hemicellulose, and 72-135 g/kg acid detergent lignin. The estimated theoretical ethanol yield from cell wall carbohydrates ranged from 398 to 533 L/t. We found that the biochemical methane potential of the studied substrates varied from 173 to 280 L/kg ODM. The physical and mechanical properties of the dry stalk biomass showed an ash content of 3.36-4.48%, volatile matter content of 73.17-79.39%, a higher heating value (HHV) of 17.1919.83 MJ/kg, and a lower heating value (LHV) of 15.86-18.46 MJ/kg. These characteristics indicate that the biomass can serve as a feedstock for the production of solid densified fuel (pellets) for renewable energy generation.