From Waste to Resource: The Persuasive Case for Co-Firing Microalgae with Coal Residues
Kozhakhmetova M. Akimbekov N. Tastambek K. Xiangrong L. Yaya W. Aimagambetov A. Sherelkhan D. Altynbay N. Zhailauova G.
December 2025Engineered Science Publisher
ES Energy and Environment
2025#30
Coal utilization generates numerous environmental challenges, including soil subsidence, water pollution, mining waste disposal, and air contamination. Therefore, the development of environmentally and economically sustainable strategies for coal waste management is of significant importance. In this study, we propose the production of a novel “bio-fossil fuel” through the co-firing of coal residues with microalgal biomass. The objectives of this study include the collection and characterization of coal residues using proximate and ultimate analyses, spectroscopic methods, as well as the characterization of Oscillatoria sp. based on microbiological, functional, and chemical properties. Furthermore, the binding and granulation potential of microalgal biomass with coal residues were investigated, leading to the preparation of composite pellets. Co-firing experiments were conducted to evaluate combustion performance, energy efficiency, and gas emission reduction. The influence of different coal-to-microalgae ratios on durability, calorific value, and combustion characteristics was also assessed. The results indicated that the higher amounts of algae reduced water resistance due to their hydrophilic functional groups, but moderate levels (10–15%) offered the optimal balance between pellet durability and combustion efficiency. According to thermogravimetric and combustion investigations, microalgae have been shown to speed up thermal breakdown, reduce combustion time, and boost volatile release, all of which may improve ignition properties. The findings suggest that the incorporation of Oscillatoria sp. biomass into coal residues reduces the ash content, CO2 and N2. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating microalgae into coal-based fuel systems to mitigate environmental impacts while supporting sustainable energy production.
Bio-fossil fuel , Co-firing , Coal residues , Emissions reduction , Microalgae , Oscillatoria sp , Pelleting
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Sustainability of Ecology and Bioresources, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Ecology Research Institute, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, 29 Sattarhanov street, Turkistan, 161200, Kazakhstan
Scientific-Practical Center, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, 68 Maresyev street, Aktobe, 030019, Kazakhstan
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, 710054, China
Sustainability of Ecology and Bioresources
Ecology Research Institute
Scientific-Practical Center
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
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