Characterization of lignocellulosic biomass residues from different communities along the shore of Lake Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico for use as a solid biofuel

This study evaluates the potential for the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass residues generated in eight communities located along the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. These communities were selected for being representative in terms of residual biomass generation associated with their economic activities. For this research, samples of the different types of locally generated biomass residues were collected, and were classified into three categories: (a) forestry: Avocado ( Persea americana ), Red Cedar ( Cedrela odorata ), Copalillo ( Bursera cuneata ), Parota ( Enterolobium cyclocarpum ) and Pine ( Pinus spp ), (b) agricultural Stubble ( Zea mays ) and (c) aquatic biomass Chuspata ( Typha latifolia ). The study determined several physicochemical and energetic properties of the residues to comprehensively assess the potential for using different types of biomass for energy purposes. The average results found for the different samples were: average moisture content of 10.21%, ash content of 3.85%, volatile matter content of 71.42%, fixed carbon content of 24.7%, and a higher heating value of 18.54 MJ/kg. FTIR analysis and basic chemical composition showed the presence of polymeric compounds such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Elemental analysis showed a content of 44.14% carbon, 5.46% hydrogen, 49.73% oxygen, 0.58% nitrogen, and 0.07% sulfur, indicating a low environmental impact during the combustion process. Microanalysis of the ash also indicated acceptable values ​​for the following elements: Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, P, K, Si, Na and Ti, making the biomass suitable for energy applications. This study demonstrates a practical pathway for the utilization of alternative energy sources in rural communities along the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro, Mexico. Likewise, the multi-criteria analysis carried out using the MULTIBERSO software made it possible to classify the residues with the best characteristics for solid biofuels considering: high calorific value (MJ/kg), lignin (%), volatile matter (%), extractables (%) and fixed carbon (%), which are positive indicators in bioenergy use. The results show that the most promising residues on a scale of 0 to 10 are forestry, particularly red cedar (7.65), avocado (7.64) and copalillo (7.51). These results provide a foundation for the development of community-based projects focused on bioenergy generation to diversify the energy matrix in Mexican communities.