On the basic chemical composition of selected biomass types from four regions of Mexico, for bioenergetic purposes

Abstract

The chemical composition of hardwoods sawdust and citrus residues from four states of the Mexican Republic (Quintana Roo, Durango, Veracruz, and Sonora) were determined. The results ranged as follows: total extractives from 8.2% (Quercus spp.) to 35.0% (lime leaves), holocellulose from 45.4% (lime leaves) to 70.6% (Lysiloma latisiliquum), lignin from 3.9% (lemon peels) at 25.4% (Caesalpinia platyloba), ash from 0.4% (orange branches) to 6.3% (lemon peels), pH from 5.1 (Swartzia cubensis) to 7.3 (orange branches), and calorific value of 19.8 MJ/kg (Lysiloma latisiliquum and Quercus spp.) to 21.7 MJ/kg (Olneya tesota). With the exception of the oak samples, in all the biomass samples the extractives content is relatively high (10.1% for Lysiloma latisiliquum to 35% for Persian lime leaves), and could represent a potential for future study and applications in the field of antioxidants. Due to the chemical properties and calorific value, the biomass samples studied present potential for local use as densified biofuels (pellets or briquettes).