Peat: Industrial Chemistry and Technology

Peat: Industrial Chemistry and Technology explores the chemistry and chemical technology of peat as a chemical feedstock. The processes that generate peat chemicals, such as solvent extraction and acid hydrolysis, are discussed. Some of the more important implications of peat use for humans and nature are also pointed out. This book describes alternative technologies for each of the major organic components of peat, including solvent extraction of peat bitumens; decolorization and oxidation of peat waxes; acid hydrolysis of unfractionated peat; and coke production. Other chapters discuss chemical characterization and analysis of peat; composition and hydrolysis of peat carbohydrates; composition of peat hydrolysates intended for yeast production; production of organic chemicals by peat hydrolysis; and scale of peat chemical operations. The final chapter examines the ecological and other environmental factors affecting the chemical technology of peat. This monograph will be a useful source of information for chemists, engineers, and managers interested in the industrial potential of peat as a chemical feedstock.