Exploring potential bioenergy from biodiversity resources: providing options for a responsible mining in Southern Philippines
2011
Pampolina, N.M., (Philippines Univ., Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines). Coll. of Forestry and Natural Resources
This lecture is part of the collaborative research with mining firm to explore potential of biodiversity resources like woody plants as source of feedstock for bioenergy production. The study followed participatory approach through FGD [focus group discussion] to obtain local indigenous knowledge and perception regarding woody plants and seeds that provide bioenergy. Four sampling sites from two provinces that comprised of 14 barangays [villages] and sitios with 74 respondents were chosen to study vegetation. Biometrics, abundance, diversity, and biomass of 61 plant epecies were quantified. After interview and combustion test 19 species undergone chemical analysis to determine colorific content and biofuel properties. Most plants were indigenous with some endemics while others were threatened and exotic. Piper aduncum was found dominant with highest importance value followed by Canarium asperum. The total biomass of all woody plants ranged from 200-1,600 tons/ha. The diversity index was low (H' = 1.2376) to moderate (H' = 2.5796) but highly even (e = 0.775) distribution. Ecological values suggest that forest along Quezon mountain range was a rich potential source of biofuel for future energy that mining can consider. Generally, wood moisture content, percent ash lignin were inversely correlated to colorific value but positively correlated to wood extractives (r = 0.697) and holocellulose (r = 0.576). Oil from seeds of Dysoxylum gaudichaodianum and Tabernaemontana elegans have specific gravity of 0.9265 and 0.9480 at 25 deg C with viscosity values of 17.86 and 19.65 g/cm/s and saponification numbers were 228 and 256 mg KOH/g oil, respectively. These values are comparable with coconut oil at 246-260 mg KOH/g, suggesting the presence of short chain fatty acids making the oil viable for transesterification reaction. Overall, results indicate that woody plants can be alternative bioenergy source considerable species during future rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration while continues effort in protecting sanctuaries and biodiversity corridor along slopes to Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape.
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