Title:
Biomass Valorization from Heavy Metal-contaminated Soils for Nanolignin and Nanocellulose Production
Author(s):
Dias, C., Mersmann, L., Rodrigues, C., Pires, J.R.A., Santos, A.F.M., Souza, V.G.L., Coelhoso, I., Godinho, M.H., Fernando, A.L.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The valorization of lignocellulosic biomass cultivated in marginal and heavy metal-contaminated soils represents a promising strategy within the circular bioeconomy framework. In this study, Sorghum bicolor and Cannabis sativa (hemp) were investigated as sustainable feedstocks for the production of nanocellulose and nanolignin. The biomass was subjected to alkaline pre-treatment using 7% NaOH at 70 °C for 3 h, followed by compositional analysis using the Van Soest method. Results showed that both feedstocks maintain a stable lignocellulosic composition under heavy metal exposure, indicating that soil contamination does not significantly affect their structural integrity. Alkaline pre-treatment proved highly effective in fractionating the biomass, leading to a strong reduction in hemicellulose content and a marked enrichment of cellulose (up to 60–65%). Lignin fractions were also relatively concentrated following treatment, enhancing their potential recovery. Overall, both Sorghum bicolor and Cannabis sativa demonstrated strong suitability as robust biomass sources for integrated biorefinery processes. The resulting cellulose- and lignin-rich streams provide efficient precursors for nanocellulose and nanolignin production, respectively. These findings support the use of contaminated or marginal soils as alternative cultivation systems for high-value nanomaterial production, contributing to sustainable material development and circular bioeconomy strategies.
Keywords:
nanocellulose, biomass valorization, heavy metal-contaminated soils, Sorghum bicolor, Cannabis sativa (hemp), nanolignin
Topic:
Biomass, Bio-based Products and Bioenergy Integration
Subtopic:
Resource efficient bioeconomy
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3CV.8.2
Pages:
511 - 517
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-3CV.8.2
Price:
FREE
