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GIORGIO DOMENICO MARIA MICALE

AN INITIAL STUDY INTO THE ENERGETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SEVERAL VEGETATIVE SPECIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN MAQUIS

  • Autori: TUTTOLOMONDO, T; LA BELLA, S; LETO, C; BONSANGUE, G; BRUCATO, A; MICALE, G; CHILLURA MARTINO, D
  • Anno di pubblicazione: 2008
  • Tipologia: eedings
  • Parole Chiave: MEDITERRANEAN MAQUIS, ENERGETIC CHARACTERISTICS
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/48340

Abstract

Recent years have seen an ever increasing interest in renewable energy resources. The use of these renewable resources plays a key role in the reduction of greenhouse gases and in guaranteeing a supply of energy for the future. A promising alternative to fossil fuels are lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks; a widely available, versatile source of energy able to substitute fossil fuels in many ways. The continuing growth of the Biomass sector is leading to a flurry of research into new plant species with good calorific properties and combustion persistence. It would seem that a large number of native Mediterranean maquis shrubs, once used by the local populations for heating and cooking, (carefully selecting one species over another according to empirical criteria), fit the abovementioned requirements. A study was carried out in order to identify shrub species, growing wild on the Island of Sicily (Italy), suitable for biomass production. The aim was not only to increase the known range of energy plant species but also to increase the scientific knowledge base to be taken into consideration when choosing the most suitable energy species for cultivation purposes. Attention was focused on the bio-agronomical, physical and energetic characterization of the following plant species: Pistacia lentiscus L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Myrtus communis L., Spartium junceum L., Medicago arborea L., Rhamnus alaternus L. e Viburnum tinus L. Preliminary results show variations in biomass production of the selected species which grow in Sicilian soil and climate conditions, and their suitability for energy conversion.