Machine learning and circular bioeconomy: Building new resource efficiency from diverse waste streams.

Journal: Bioresource technology
Published Date:

Abstract

Biorefinery systems are playing pivotal roles in the technological support of resource efficiency for circular bioeconomy. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence presents great potential in handling scientific tasks of high-dimensional complexity. This review article scrutinizes the status of machine learning (ML) applications in four critical biorefinery systems (i.e. composting, fermentation, anaerobic digestion, and thermochemical conversions) as well as their advancements against traditional modeling techniques of mechanistic approach. The contents cover their algorithm selections, modeling challenges, and prospective improvements. Perspectives are sketched to further inform collective efforts on crucial aspects. The multidisciplinary interchange of modeling knowledge will enable a more progressive digital transformation of sustainability efforts in supporting sustainable development goals.

Authors

  • To-Hung Tsui
    Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 Create Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
  • Mark C M van Loosdrecht
    Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.
  • Yanjun Dai
    School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
  • Yen Wah Tong
    Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 Create Way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, 117585, Singapore. Electronic address: chetyw@nus.edu.sg.