Unit 5: Biological Conversion Technologies
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Waste-to-Energy Conversion course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Aerobic digestion #
A biological conversion technology that uses oxygen-consuming microorganisms to break down organic matter in waste, producing biogas (a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide) and a nutrient-rich effluent.
Anaerobic digestion #
A biological conversion technology that uses anaerobic microorganisms to break down organic matter in waste, producing biogas (a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide) and a nutrient-rich effluent.
Bacteria #
Single-celled microorganisms that play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter in waste, producing biogas (a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide) in the process.
Biogas #
A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter in waste.
Biomass #
Organic matter, such as plant and animal waste, that can be converted into fuel through biological or thermal processes.
Cellulose #
A complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants that can be converted into fuel through biological or thermal processes.
Composting #
A biological conversion technology that uses aerobic microorganisms to break down organic matter in waste, producing a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Fermentation #
A biological conversion technology that uses microorganisms to break down organic matter in waste, producing alcohol or other valuable chemicals.
Fungi #
Multi-cellular microorganisms that play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter in waste, producing enzymes that help break down complex carbohydrates.
Landfill gas #
A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter in landfills.
Lignin #
A complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of plants that is resistant to decomposition and must be broken down through chemical or thermal processes.
Methane #
A hydrocarbon gas (CH4) that is a major component of biogas and can be used as a fuel.
Microbial fuel cell #
A device that uses microorganisms to convert organic matter in waste into electricity.
Organic matter #
Any material that contains carbon and is derived from living organisms, such as plants and animals.
Photosynthesis #
The process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen and glucose in the process.
Pyrolysis #
A thermal conversion technology that breaks down organic matter in waste at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, producing bio-oil, syngas, and char.
Thermal conversion technologies #
Technologies that use heat to convert organic matter in waste into fuel, such as pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration.
Vermicomposting #
A biological conversion technology that uses earthworms to break down organic matter in waste, producing a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Yeast #
Single-celled microorganisms that are used in fermentation to convert sugars into alcohol.
As the field of waste #
to-energy conversion continues to evolve, new terms and concepts will emerge. Here are a few emerging terms and concepts in the field of biological conversion technologies:
Algae #
based biofuels: The use of algae to produce biofuels, such as biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas. Algae have the advantage of being able to grow in a variety of environments, including wastewater, and can produce high yields of oil and other valuable products.
Biorefinery #
A facility that uses biological conversion technologies to convert organic matter in waste into a range of products, including fuel, chemicals, and materials. Biorefineries can be integrated with other industrial processes, such as pulp and paper mills or food processing plants, to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.
Carbon capture and storage #
The capture and storage of carbon dioxide emissions from biological conversion technologies, such as anaerobic digestion or fermentation, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Circular economy #
An economic system that is restorative and regenerative by design, aiming to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, and recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.
Industrial symbiosis #
The cooperative exchange of resources and by-products between industrial facilities, aimed at reducing waste and increasing efficiency. For example, a food processing plant might send its waste to an anaerobic digestion facility, which in turn provides heat and electricity to the food processing plant.
Life #
cycle assessment: An analysis of the environmental impacts of a product or process from cradle to grave, taking into account all stages of production, use, and disposal. Life-cycle assessments can help identify areas for improvement in the environmental performance of biological conversion technologies.
Synthetic biology #
The design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, or the re-design of existing natural biological systems, for useful purposes. Synthetic biology has the potential to revolutionize biological conversion technologies by enabling the creation of new microorganisms and enzymes that can efficiently convert waste into fuel and other valuable products.
Waste #
to-chemicals: The conversion of waste into chemicals, such as organic acids, alcohols, and other valuable products, using biological or thermal processes. Waste-to-chemicals can provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical production methods, which often rely on non-renewable resources.
Understanding these terms and concepts is crucial for anyone working in the fiel… #
By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments, professionals can help drive innovation and create more sustainable solutions for the future.