This master´s thesis deals with the utilization of spent grains. It briefly introduces the issue of hydraulic transport settling and non-settling mixtures, pumps, piping design and technology designed for a particular case. After these chapters, the calculations of parts of the technology utilization spent grains follow.

Over the last several decades, there have been a tremendous developments and greatinnovations in photocatalysis process along with the development of efficient nanosized catalysts for simple approach and economic viability. In this study, magnetic core@doubleshell nanomaterials were investigated and synthesized in lab with three-step innovative approach where Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were produced first to act as cores without using any surfactants. The magnetite/silica core–shell structure was then prepared by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in the presence of core particles under alkaline conditions. And the outermost shell, the α-Fe2O3/TiO2 nanoparticles, were grown over magnetic core of Fe3O4@SiO2 using coprecipitation and calcination method. Furthermore, the Fe3O4@SiO2@α-Fe2O3/TiO2 NPs were then loaded on the reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) using hydrothermal method and are also mixed by kneading with the layered double hydroxides (LDH) of Mg2+ and Al3+. These nanoparticles were characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Different model compounds like microcrystalline cellulose (90 μm), D-xylose, and sodium lignosulfonate representing cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, respectively, were converted to valuable chemicals with different NPs under visible light for different time periods. For example, valeric acid (VA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) were produced when cellulose was used for the conversion with core-double shell NPS which were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Similar approach was adopted for the conversion of brewers’ spent grain (BSG), a lignocellulosic biomass, without oxygen under visible light, which yielded ethanol as the main product along with other sugars and acids of very low concentrations. The magnetic property of the nanomaterials made it easy for recycle and reuse. From a sustainability point of view, this study will fill a large need in the biomass photocatalysis field by developing core-shell multi-functional photocatalysts for direct transformation of lignocellulose into valuable chemicals under low temperatures, atmospheric pressure, and visible light from the sun.

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, natürliche Rohstoffe als potentielle Bodenverbesserungsmittel zu identifizieren und zu charakterisieren. Es sollte deren Eignung überprüft werden, ein sandiges Substrat in seinen chemischen, physikalischen und biologischen Eigenschaften messbar zu beeinflussen. Anhand von Versuchsreihen im Gewächshaus und im Freiland ist die differenzierte Wirkung der Rohstoffe auf Mais und Weizen getestet worden. Aufgrund einer Literaturrecherche wurden Rohwolle, Schafwollpellets und Biertreber betrachtet. Es zeigte sich für Biertreber, dass dieser große Mengen an Stickstoff (Nt=3,95%; C/N=12,74) bereitstellen kann. Zudem enthält er vergleichsweise viel Phosphor und Magnesium (8,68 g kg-1 und 4,05 g kg-1) aber nur geringe Mengen an Kalium (1,40 g kg-1). Weiterhin lässt sich bei Aufwandmengen von 0,5 M.-% eine kurzfristige Verbesserung der Wasserspeicherfähigkeit sandiger Substrate feststellen. Rohwolle weist im Vergleich zu Biertreber mit Nt=13,56% höhere Mengen an Stickstoff auf. Weiterhin lassen sich mit 35,41 g kg-1 höhere Mengen an Kalium aber mit nur 0,23 g kg-1 bzw. 0,34 g kg-1 geringere Mengen an Magnesium und Phosphor feststellen. Die Mineralisierung der Rohwolle erfolgt im Vergleich zu Biertreber langsam, sodass die enthaltenen Nährstoffe nur langsam pflanzenverfügbar werden. Rohwolle weist zunächst einen stark hydrophoben Charakter auf. Mit zunehmendem Abbau des Lanolins führen Aufwandmengen von 0,1 M.-% zu einer messbaren Erhöhung der Wasserspeicherfähigkeit des sandigen Substrates. Pflanzenverfügbare Nährstoffe stehen bei den industriell aufbereiteten Schafwollpellets im Vergleich zu reiner Rohwolle schneller zur Verfügung. Ähnlich wie bei der Rohwolle werden auch durch Schafwollpellets langfristig Nährstoffe freigesetzt und die Beeinflussung der bodenphysikalischen Parameter ist über längere Zeiträume nachweisbar. Allerdings müssen Aufwandmengen von 0,5 M.-% erbracht werden. / The aim of the study was to identify and characterize natural raw materials as a potential soil improver. The capacity for measurable influence on the chemical, physical and biological properties of sandy substratum was investigated. The differentiated affect of the raw materials has been tested for maize and wheat using test series in a greenhouse as well as in open fields. Raw wool, sheep wool pellets and spent grains were considered based on comprehensive literature research. It was observed that spent grains can provide large amounts of nitrogen (N=3.95\%; C/N=12.74). Moreover, it contains relatively high levels of phosphorus and magnesium (8.68 g kg-1 and 4.05 g/kg, respectively), but only small amounts of potassium (1.40 g/kg). Furthermore, a short-term improvement of the water storage capacity of sandy substratum using a application rate of 0.5 M.-\% was observed. Raw wool has higher amounts of nitrogen with Nt=13.56\% compared to spent grains. Moreover, higher levels of potassium with a value of 35.41 g/kg were observed, but spent grains have lower levels of magnesia and phosphor with values of 0.23 g/kg and 0.34 g/kg, respectively. The mineralization of the raw wool occurs slowly compared to (malt) spent grains, such that nutrients are slowly available to plants. Initially, raw wool has a highly hydrophobic character with increasing depletion of Lanolin a measurable improvement of the water storage capacity of sandy substratum using an application rate of 0.1 M.-\% was observed. Nutrients available to plants are provided quicker by industrially remanufactured sheep wool pellets in comparison to raw wool. Nutrients are released on a long-term basis by sheep wool pellets similar to the raw wool and the influence on the soil-physical properties are verifiable for longer periods of time. However, an application rate of 0.5 M.-\% is necessary.