Exploring the potential of invasive plant Sosnowsky’s hogweed for densified biofuels production

Abstract

The study focuses on the determination of biofuel parameters of invasive Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi) biomass. Utilization of available waste biomass can be one of the most efficient ways to prevent spreading, so this approach does not promote controlled cultivation of Sosnowsky’s hogweed biomass for profitable solid biofuels production. Laboratory determination of the main fuel-energy properties showed that the gross calorific value of studied biomass is 15.1 MJ/kg (as received) and 16.5 MJ/kg (dry basis). Ash content analysis resulted in 10.7% (dry basis) and 10.8% (as received with 10.1% moisture content of). Choosing the appropriate harvest time may most probably affect solid biofuels quality as well as biomass to biofuels processing pathway, thus more studies are required to find an optimal and feasible solution.