Chemical composition of biomass generated in the guava tree pruning

Pellets from Lignocellulosic Material Obtained from Pruning Guava Trees: Characterization, Energy Performance and Emissions

“…The lignin value is close to the maximum value of the range reported for guava tree branches of 17.9% to 19.5% [21]. The percentage of cellulose obtained is higher than the values found in the literature (from 32.7% to 35.4%), while the value of hemicelluloses is lower compared to the reported data of 27.2% to 34.1%, in branches of different guava trees [21]. Regarding the percentage of extractives, the result obtained here falls within the reported range (from 15.2% to 21.8%) for branches of guava trees [21].…”

“…The results obtained from the chemical analysis were the following: 19.85% of lignin, 48.97% of cellulose, 13.45% of hemicellulose, and 16.06% of other components (extractives). The lignin value is close to the maximum value of the range reported for guava tree branches of 17.9% to 19.5% [21]. The percentage of cellulose obtained is higher than the values found in the literature (from 32.7% to 35.4%), while the value of hemicelluloses is lower compared to the reported data of 27.2% to 34.1%, in branches of different guava trees [21].…”

“…The initial moisture content in the material obtained by pruning the guava trees was 84% (±1.34), a relatively high value compared to the 68% found in pruning material in the same tree species [21]. On the other hand, it is known that the initial moisture in freshly cut lignocellulosic material can be 63% [41], but ultimately, the result depends on the time of year when the pruning works are carried out [42].…”

“…In Mexico, it is estimated that a guava tree produces approximately 9 kg of foliar biomass per year [16] and orchards have a density of 154 to 666 trees per hectare [17], therefore, the country could generate 1386 to 5994 kg of foliar biomass per hectare per year. The foliage of the guava tree has been studied in relation to its chemical composition; antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties; and in medicinal treatments [18][19][20][21][22]. On the other hand, in Mexico, it is estimated that pruning generates approximately 12 kg of biomass per tree per year (1848 to 7992 kg per hectare per year) and these lignocellulosic residues are usually not used and are left in guava orchards.…”

“…On the other hand, in Mexico, it is estimated that pruning generates approximately 12 kg of biomass per tree per year (1848 to 7992 kg per hectare per year) and these lignocellulosic residues are usually not used and are left in guava orchards. In relation to this biomass, there are few studies that have reported on its chemical composition [21,[23][24][25], and the evaluation of physical and mechanical properties to develop truss prototypes [26]. Results have recently been reported on the physical and chemical properties of briquettes made with guava pruning residues in Ecuador [27].…”