Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E027
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E027
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, E027 (2025)
Waste or valuable resource? Energy potential of hazelnut leaves
Anna Borkowska1*
1 Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 28, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: anna.borkowska@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of leaves from four hazelnut cultivars (Corylus avellana L.) – ‘Kataloński’, ‘Olbrzymi z Halle’, ‘Olga’, and ‘Webba Cenny’ – as waste biomass for energy purposes. Morphometric, biometric, and physicochemical analyses (calorific value, elemental composition, ash content, moisture) were conducted. Emissions of gaseous pollutants (CO, NOₓ, CO₂, SO₂) and particulate matter, as well as leaf mass, shape, surface area, and coloration, were evaluated. ‘Webba Cenny’ had the highest leaf mass (>130 g per 100 leaves), while ‘Kataloński’ had the lowest (~80 g). Significant differences were noted among cultivars in calorific value and emissions. ‘Kataloński’ had the highest calorific value (17.63 MJ·kg⁻¹), carbon content (43.46%), and lowest moisture (6.24%), but the highest emissions of CO (53.55 kg·Mg⁻¹), NOₓ (7.71 kg·Mg⁻¹), CO₂ (1311.21 kg·Mg⁻¹), and SO₂ (0.31 kg·Mg⁻¹). ‘Olga’ showed the lowest emissions (CO – 51.95 kg·Mg⁻¹, NOₓ – 7.26 kg·Mg⁻¹, CO₂ – 1272.18 kg·Mg⁻¹, SO₂ – 0.25 kg·Mg⁻¹) despite a slightly lower calorific value and higher moisture content. The results confirm the significant impact of cultivar-specific genetic traits on biomass energy quality and environmental effects. Cultivar selection is crucial for maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing ecological risks. Utilizing hazelnut leaves aligns with circular economy principles, effectively managing waste biomass as a renewable energy source.
Keywords: Corylus avellana, leaves, multifunctional plant, waste biomass, physicochemical properties, sustainable development, circular economy
How to cite
A. Borkowska, 2025. Waste or valuable resource? Energy potential of hazelnut leaves. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.E027