Assessment of biomass from an invasive plant, Eleusine jaegeri, as a potential feedstock for the production of biomass briquettes

Abstract

The study assessed the feasibility of Eleusine jaegeri, an invasive plant in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area rangelands, as a feedstock for biomass briquette production. It addresses innovative ways of improving rangeland quality while enhancing access to alternative sources of domestic heat energy for the community. The study compared the combustion properties of E. jaegeri briquettes with traditional charcoal and rice husk briquettes, including heat energy, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, and moisture content. Additionally, social perceptions were also analyzed in pastoral villages through household surveys and focus group discussions to gauge community acceptance of E. jaegeri briquettes as an alternative source of cooking energy. Results showed that E. jaegeri biomass exhibited comparable burning qualities to conventional charcoal. The measured contents of heat energy, fixed carbon and moisture from E. jaegeri were within the range for various energy applications recommended by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). However, its high ash content (41.39%) suggests the need for further refinement in biomass handling and carbonization processes. Community feedback indicated that using E. jaegeri briquettes could reduce health risks, improve ecological sustainability, and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, presenting socio-ecological advantages over traditional fuelwood. Additionally, the efficient burning qualities of biomass briquettes increase user satisfaction, promoting healthier living conditions for rural communities. In conclusion, E. jaegeri shows promise as a viable, sustainable bioenergy source, supporting both environmental conservation and economic benefits. Promoting its use as an alternative fuel could positively impact rangeland quality and livelihoods in Tanzania.