Effect of Origin on the Chemical Contents, Including Heavy Metals, in Pellets Made from Eastern Beech Wood

Abstract

Wood pellets, which are regarded as a sustainable and nature-friendly energy source, occupy an important place in biomass production, and global pellet production is constantly increasing. Pellet quality varies significantly according to the structural properties of the wood used as raw material, and the wood structure is the most important factor that determines the quality of the pellet. Numerous studies have been conducted on the quality of pellets produced from various raw materials. Although different origins of the same species can significantly affect pellet quality, the study on this subject is very limited. C, O, N and H contents, pH and heavy metal contents of pellets produced from Fagus orientalis wood obtained from 12 different origins were compared. As a result of the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the pellets produced from wood obtained from different origins in terms of Cd and Ni concentrations, as well as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen contents. The results indicate that the highest quality pellets among the origins studied were those produced from beeches from the Andirin, Yazicik, Gokcebey, and Kalkim origins, which had both low heavy metal content and low oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen contents. It is proposed that these origins be given priority in pellet production.