Species Arar (Phoenicea juniperus L.) as a biomass source – A case study

ABSTRACT

Arar (Juniperus phoenicea L.) is a small monoecious or dioecious evergreen species presenting as a shrub or tree around the Mediterranean. This widespread plant is also causing problems in Croatia, along its Adriatic coastal area and in particular on the island of Pag. It affects the establishment and growth of other species that share its habitat and has also reduced the grazing areas of local sheep breeding and beekeeping communities. Arar is also a frequent cause of wildfires in the region. Its spread is indeed far-reaching, from its impact on plants and livestock to its adverse effects on the local population and its tourism, which is one of the main components of the island’s economy. This research aimed to evaluate biomass and biochar samples of arar, using standard methods to verify their potential energy value. Results of the study showed a favorable content of coke (16.28%) and volatiles (77.26%) in the samples. The C, H, S, N, and O ratios of the samples were 50.14%, 6.57%, 0.31%, 0.84% and 42.13%, respectively. The higher calorific value was 20.45 MJ·kg⁻¹ for biomass and 29.01 MJ·kg⁻¹ for biochar. Accordingly, this species can be used as a solid biofuel for direct combustion or similar processes and for other value-added applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Renewable energy
• energy utilization
• biomass
• invasive species
• arar

Data availability

Raw data were generated at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture. Derived data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author [J. Š.; [email protected]] on request.

Acknowledgments

This research was cofounded by the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ) within the project “Young Researchers’ Career Development Project – Training of Doctoral Students” (DOK-01-2018), co-financed by the European Union, under the OP “Efficient Human Resources 2014-2020” from the ESF funds.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ) under project No. IP-2018-01-7472, Sludge management via energy crops’ production“, and within the project “Young Researchers’ Career Development Project – Training of Doctoral Students,” co-financed by the European Union, under the OP “Efficient Human Resources 2014-2020” from the ESF funds.