Characterization and Life Cycle Exergo-Environmental Analysis of Wood Pellet Biofuel Produced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Major objectives of this study were to produce low-emitting wood pellet biofuel from selected agro-forest tree species, i.e., Kikar (Acacia nilotica), Oak (Quercus semicarpifolia), and Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), grown in the southern part Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province Pakistan using indigenously developed technology (pelletizer machine). Primary raw material, such as sawdust was obtained sawmills located KP. Life cycle inventory (LCI) sourced for entire production chain by measuring quantities various inputs consumed output produced. In addition, pellets characterized examine diameter, length, moisture content, ash bulk density, high heating value (HHV), low (LHV), well nitrogen sulphur contents. A comprehensive life assessment performed SimaPro v9.1 software. functional unit one (01) kilogram (kg) applied following a gate-to-gate approach. The results present accordance with recommended Italian standard CTI-R 04/5 except density content. all pellets, manufactured saw dust three different lower than standard, while higher standard. Among environmental impacts, nilotica) major contributor fossil fuel depletion, followed ecotoxicity, mineral depletion acidification/eutrophication. This primarily due lubricating oil urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin used manufacture. Likewise, human health ecosystem quality also affected oil, UF resin, dust, respectively. cumulative exergy demand 1 kg biofuel, highest impact non-renewable fossils, mainly used. Difference damage assessment, examined scenarios hotspot reducing 20% case 1, 2, without usage 3, marked reduction observed fuel, acidification/eutrophication category. Moreover, pronounced noted category