ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF BIOFUEL COMBUSTION: INFLUENCE OF FUEL COMPOSITION ON POLLUTANT EMISSIONS

• Date: 2026
• Main Authors: Sheleshey, T., Bednarska, І. С., Syvachenko , V.
• Format: Article
• Language: Ukrainian
• Published: Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2026
• Subjects: biofuel; fuel composition; emissions; sulfur oxides; nitrogen oxides; particulate matter; environ­mental safety; decarbonization.
• Online Access: https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/647
• Journal Title: Vidnovluvana energetika

The article investigates the environmental aspects of biofuel combustion with a focus on the influence of fuel composition on the formation of harmful emissions. The study’s relevance stems from the global need to reduce anthropogenic air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the context of the transition to renewable energy sources and carbon neutrality goals. The relationship between the elemental composition of biomass—namely carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, ash, and moisture content—and the emission levels of major pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulate matter (PM) is analyzed. The methodological framework of the research combines literature data, experimental results, and stoichiometric calculations to assess specific emission indices. The obtained results reveal consistent correlations between the content of sulfur, nitrogen, and ash in biofuels and the intensity of pollutant formation during combustion. The lowest emission levels were recorded for miscanthus, wheat straw, corn residues, and sawdust pellets, whereas peat, rice husk, and sunflower husk demonstrated higher SO₂ and PM emissions. For liquid biofuels, alcohol-based fuels (bioethanol, biomethanol) exhibited the lowest carbon footprint, while pyrolysis bio-oil and animal-fat derivatives showed elevated emissions, requiring optimized combustion control. Among gaseous biofuels, biomethane demonstrated the best ecological performance, characterized by minimal formation of SOₓ, NOₓ, and CO. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the comprehensive comparison of solid, liquid, and gaseous biofuels based on their chemical and environmental characteristics. The practical significance of the study consists in the development of selection criteria for eco-efficient biofuels and recommendations for optimizing combustion parameters to minimize environmental impact and enhance air quality in energy systems operating on renewable fuels.