Biogenic CO2, or carbon dioxide of biological origin, is a key element in the carbon cycle and plays a key role in combating climate change.
Biogenic CO2 refers to CO2 that has been absorbed from the atmosphere by living organisms, such as plants, through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb atmospheric CO2 and use it to produce glucose, which provides energy for plant growth and development. During this process, CO2 is incorporated into the plant's cellular structures, including wood products.
wood is approximately half carbon: one cubic metre of wood absorbs approximately one tonne of CO2.
Wood products, therefore, act as a 'sink' for carbon of non-fossil origin throughout the product's lifetime. This means that the carbon absorbed by plants does not return to the atmosphere until the wood product is used for energy generation, for example, when it is burnt.
Biogenic CO2 has a neutral impact on the greenhouse gas balance, as the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere when the wood product is burnt is equal to the amount of CO2 that was absorbed by the plant during its growth.
Furthermore, sustainable forest management can increase the amount of biogenic CO2 sequestered, as well-managed forests can absorb more CO2 than unmanaged ones. This makes biogenic CO2 a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
Biogenic CO2 is an important carbon sequestration mechanism. This process contributes to mitigating the impact of climate change and underlines the importance of conserving and sustainably managing our forests. Biogenic CO2 is, therefore, not only a natural product of the carbon cycle, but also a valuable ally in our fight for a more sustainable future.
The Correct Use of Fibre Waste and the Role of Mycelium
Wood fibre waste and waste from cosmetic and herbal products are natural by-products of production processes and can be reused in various ways.
However, a crucial aspect in preventing the re-emission of CO2 trapped in wood fibre waste is its proper digestion. This is where the L-ife mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus, comes into play.
The mycelium is able to digest lignin, a main component of wood, turning the trapped CO2 into nutrients instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.
This process of mycelium digestion of wood fibres is similar to what happens in our intestines when we consume dietary fibre. Dietary fibres, such as cellulose, resist digestion by human enzymes, but can be broken down and metabolised by various gut bacteria.
This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which are important for the health of the intestinal mucosa.
Similarly, the mycelium can break down lignin and other wood fibres, transforming the trapped CO2 into useful nutrients. This process reduces the amount of CO2 that could be released into the atmosphere if the wood were simply burnt for energy generation..
L-ife investigates the proper utilisation of wood fibre waste and the digestion of fibres by mycelium, thus enhancing an important carbon sequestration mechanism. This process contributes to mitigating the impact of climate change and underlines the importance of conserving and sustainably managing our forests. Biogenic CO2 and the digestion of lignin by mycelium are, therefore, not only a natural product of the carbon cycle, but also a valuable ally in our fight for a more sustainable future.
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