ENVIRONMENT-ENHANCING PARADIGM FOR FOOD AND BIOENERGY PRODUCTION AND WASTEWATER REUSE BASED ON BIOWASTE

The EE-FEWS paradigm is to simultaneously respond to several global grand challenges as identified by the National Academies, including affordable solar-derived energy, carbon capture, nitrogen cycle management, and access to clean water. The goal of this proposal is to facilitate a systems approach to identify the energy, water, and food parameters essential for implementing EE-FEWS in a rural setting. This proposed research encompasses the following five research objectives in food, water and energy areas and the integrated system.Obj. (1) Produce biocrude oil via hydrothermal liquefaction by separation of hydrocarbon and nutrients in biowaste for downstream fuel upgrading, food production and data for system modeling.Obj. (2) Upgrade HTL biocrude oil into transportation fuels via a combined physico-chemical processes. Obj. (3) Investigate the performance of a water purification sub-system designed to meet the water quality needs for crop production (food safety) and biomass needs for bioenergy production at low-cost.Obj. (4) Produce food year-round in indoor hydroponic and outdoor irrigation systems using HTL and treated wastewater effluents.Obj. (5) Determine the economic viability of the EE-FEWS.