Waste reduction system for production of useful materials from un-utilized bamboo using steam explosion followed by various conversion methods

A waste reduction system for the production of useful materials from un-utilized plant biomass was developed for zero emission using a steam explosion, extraction and separation, and various conversion methods. This system utilizes a significant conversion approach without generating pollutants, i.e., waste gas, wastewater, and solid waste materials. The conversion of un-utilized bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) into useful materials was studied for the effective utilization of its components such as holocellulose, water-soluble material, methanol-soluble lignin, and Mason lignin. These components were converted into useful materials, i.e., lactic acid, antibacterial violet pigment, methane gas, monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, epoxy resin without estrogenic activity, or activated carbon. The amount of useful materials and products produced from each component was estimated, and the reduction in the amount of pollutants generated in their production process and waste treatment and the detoxification of the lignin resin were confirmed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.