Sex: Female
Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Resource Engineering, State University of New York, New York City, USA, 2013
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of the Philippines, 1995
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, 1988
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, 1983

Field of Specialization:
Waste to energy processes and technologies
Environmental modeling, analysis, and assessment
Environmental carrying capacity assessment
Biomass processing and utilization

Researches:

Article title: Production of biocrude and charcoal from fast oxidative pyrolysis of cassava pulp residue using a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: MT Cabaraban, G Divinagracia, JC Padernal, VM Ramirez, L Arranguez, JM Semilla, DJM Ombiga, EJ Barcelona and K Paderanga
Publication title: Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences Technology 2(3):1-7, 2020

Abstract:
Cassava pulp (Manihot esculenta Crantz) residue (CPR) is the solid waste generated from the cassava processing industry. In the bench-scale experiments, fast oxidative pyrolysis of CPR was carried out in a fluidized bed reactor, using uncondensed recycled pyrolysis gas as carrier medium to produce charcoal and biocrude. The influence of three gas recycle rates, ranging from 0.60 to 2.3 Sm3 h –1, on the product yields and characteristics was investigated. Results suggest that an increase in the recycle rate will lead to an increase in biocrude yield and a decrease in the charcoal yield. The product yields of biocrude and charcoal were 15.68 ± 2.08 percent and 24.29 ± 3.31 percent, respectively. The biocrude product was mainly composed of alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, alkanes, and alkynes. The charcoal obtained has a heating value that is around 85 percent higher than that of the CPR feedstock. It has a high fixed carbon content of around 67 percent, but a low volatile matter content of only around 28 percent. At the pyrolysis temperature of around 500 °C, the uncondensed pyrolysis gas compounds consisted primarily of N2 and C2H6, with small amounts of H2, and higher hydrocarbon compounds. Results suggest the potential for generating biofuel products from the fast oxidative pyrolysis of CPR.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2p8we3hk

Article title: Generating electricity from spent activated carbon: Life cycle environmental benefits
Authors: Maria Theresa Isla-Cabaraban and Gunnar Marc Shane Cabaraban
Publication title: WSEAS Transactions on Environment and Development 12:1-8, 2016

Abstract:
Coal-fired power plants generate around one-third of the electricity used in the Philippines, and therefore play a significant role in any discussion of energy and the environment. The fuel potential of spent activated carbon can be used to generate power and potentially offset the burning of coal, while making it possible to avoid the cost of SAC disposal. By cofiring SAC with coal, currently operating power plants might have an opportunity to reduce their impact, but of as yet unknown degree and trade-offs. A life cycle assessment is presented that characterizes the environmental performance of spent activated carbon-to-electricity. The assessment covers only the operation of the power plant, and excluded such processes as SAC transportation, feed preparation, and waste disposal and recycling. Cofiring was found to reduce the environmental footprint of the average coal-fired power plant. At a rate of 10% by heat input, cofiring reduces global warming potential by 40%. NOx, SOx, and particulate emissions are also reduced by cofiring. Consumption of nonrenewable resources and solid waste generation were found to be less for a system that cofires SAC. However, more water than is usually needed for flue gas cleanup is likely to be employed for scrubbing the hazardous Na2O fumes generated from the direct burning of SAC containing Na2SO4.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2v9uwd63

Article title: Estimation of Landfill Gas Production and the Energy Availability of Municipal Solid Wastes from Upper Dagong Dumpsite Using the Philippine Landfill Gas Model v.1
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa and Shierlyn Paclijan.
Publication title: WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, WIT Press, 2015.

Abstract:
No available
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Modeling of Air Pollutant Removal by Dry Deposition to Urban Trees Using a WRF/CMAQ/i-Tree Eco Coupled System
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban, Charles N. Kroll, Satoshi Hirabayashi, David J. Nowakc
Publication title: Environmental Pollution 176: 123-133, May 2013

Abstract:
A distributed adaptation of i-Tree Eco was used to simulate dry deposition in an urban area. This investigation focused on the effects of varying temperature, LAI, and NO2 concentration inputs on estimated NO2 dry deposition to trees in Baltimore, MD. A coupled modeling system is described, wherein WRF provided temperature and LAI fields, and CMAQ provided NO2 concentrations. A base case simulation was conducted using built-in distributed i-Tree Eco tools, and simulations using different inputs were compared against this base case. Differences in land cover classification and tree cover between the distributed i-Tree Eco and WRF resulted in changes in estimated LAI, which in turn resulted in variations in simulated NO2 dry deposition. Estimated NO2 removal decreased when CMAQ-derived concentration was applied to the distributed i-Tree Eco simulation. Discrepancies in temperature inputs did little to affect estimates of NO2 removal by dry deposition to trees in Baltimore.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Urban forest as a practical mitigation measure for urban aerosols
Authors: Maria Theresa Isla Cabaraban
Publication title: Kahibalo Research Journal of the XU College of Engineering, Xavier University Press, 2011.

Abstract:
Trees are efficient scavengers of airborne pollutants. Due to concerns over the deteriorating air quality, recent work examined how urban tree plantings affect air quality in an urban area. This work is motivated by the potential of trees and vegetation to scavenge gas pollutants and particulates and the ability to leverage urban and roadside greening projects in the Philippines. Literature and relevant studies that explored the effects of vegetation on pollutant concentrations, particularly aerosols, were reviewed. Some factors that influence the ability of trees to efficiently reduce particulate pollution were identified, and applicable urban forest management options were presented. A conceptual tool was also applied to Metro Manila to estimate the amount of particulate pollution that might be removed by the existing and an expanded urban tree cover. The case study shows that existing tree cover in Metro Manila of less than 1% could only remove approximately 1% of the total particulate matter, and that increasing tree cover to around 4% could lead to a particulate removal of around 8%. Further work is needed to better model and assess the interactions that take place between airborne pollutants and urban trees and vegetation.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/mr22bxa4

Article title: Aerobic In-Vessel Composting versus Bioreactor Landfilling Using Life Cycle Models
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa, Milind V. Khire, and Evangeline Alocilja.
Publication title: Journal of Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, Springer, 2008.

Abstract:
Potential environmental impacts associated with aerobic in-vessel composting and bioreactor landfilling were assessed using life cycle inventory (LCI) tool. LCI models for solid waste management (SWM) were also developed and used to compare environmental burdens of alternative SWM scenarios. Results from the LCI models showed that the estimated energy recovery from bioreactor landfilling was about 9.6 megajoules (MJ) per kilogram (kg) of waste. Air emissions from in-vessel composting contributed to a global warming potential (GWP) of 0.86 kg of CO2-equivalent per kg of waste, compared to 1.54 kg of CO2-equivalent from bioreactor landfill. Waterborne emissions contributing to aquatic toxicity is less coming from in-vessel composting than from bioreactor landfilling. However, emissions to air and water that contribute to human toxicity are greater for the composting option than for the landfill option. Full costs for in-vessel composting is about 6 times greater than for the landfilling alternative. Integration of individually collected commingled recyclables, yard wastes, and residual wastes with windrow composting and bioreactor landfilling produces airborne and waterborne emissions with the least environmental effects among the alternatives considered. It also yields greater energy savings due to the conversion of the landfill gas (LFG) to electrical energy than the option that diverts yard waste, food waste and soiled paper for aerobic in-vessel composting. However, this scenario costs 68% more than that where the commingled collection of wastes is integrated with in-vessel composting and conventional landfilling, owing to increased collection costs.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Ethanol-Based Biodiesel from Waste Vegetable Oils
Authors: Oliveros, Mary Grace, Amiliza Baiting, Menchie Lumain, and Maria Theresa Cabaraban
Publication title: ASEAN Journal of Chemical Engineering 7(1 & 2), January 2007

Abstract:
Waste vegetable oil, mainly coming from frying residues, can be used as raw material to obtain a diesel fuel (biodiesel). Biodiesel, a nontoxic, biodegradable, diesel-like fuel, is an important energy alternative capable of decreasing environmental problems caused by the consumption of fossil fuels. The utilization of waste vegetable oils as raw material in biodiesel production was studied. Research was undertaken to establish the availability of used vegetable oil to supply a biodiesel process. It is intended that this work forms an academic study combined with an environmental and technological analysis of the merits of biodiesel as a sustainable fuel. Laboratory experimentation investigated the possibility of using waste vegetable oil from the local fast food chains, and potassium hydroxide as catalyst for the transesterification process. The cleaned waste vegetable oil undergoes transesterification for 4 hours, after which, the biodiesel is separated from the glycerin by gravity. Washing is necessary to remove residual catalyst or soap. Overall material balance for the process gives: 1 kg Waste Vegetable oil + 0.18 kg EtOH + 0.01 kg KOH → 0.74 kg Biodiesel + 0.44 kg Glycerin The biodiesel, in pure form (B100) and in 50% proportion (B50) with petroleum diesel, was run in an essentially unmodified Toyota 2C diesel engine. Smoke density (opacity) and CO exhaust emission both decreased with B50. However, Nox increased with B50. Fuel consumption during engine power testing is significantly greater using the biodiesel, but is also significantly reduced with B50.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/mr3ypbcw

Article title: Validity of Chemical Engineering Students' Academic Achievement in the Technical and Professional Courses in Predicting Licensure Examination Performance
Authors: Maria Theresa Cabaraban
Publication title: Faculty Working Series, Xavier University Press, 2007

Abstract:
No available
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Solid Waste Audit for the Xavier University Main Campus
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa, Rhoda Delicana, and Ryan Li.
Publication title: XU Faculty Research Journal, Xavier University Press, 2003

Abstract:
No available
Full text available upon request to the author

Papers Presented:

Article title: Effects of emulsification variables on fuel properties of bio-oil/biodiesel emulsion
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban, Jon Michael A. Semilla, Duane Jiovani Moriss B. Ombiga, Ersean Jae D. Barcelona and Keziah P. Paderanga.
Conference title: 81st Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) National Convention, Bacolod City, Philippines, 19-21 February 2020.

Article title: Biofuels from the fast pyrolysis of cassava pulp residue under a reducing atmosphere: Product yield and characterization
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban, Georgette O. Divinagracia, Jasper Caleb L. Padernal, Lilybelle C. Arranguez, and Viviel May B. Ramirez.
Conference title: 4th Philippine Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Conference and 1st International Conference on Circular Economy –based Waste Management (PSHWM – CE-WM 2019), Tarlac City, Philippines, 10-13 December 2019.

Article title: Thermochemical conversion of cassava pulp residue (Manihot esculenta Crantz) to bio-oil and biocoal
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban, Georgette O. Divinagracia, Jasper Caleb L. Padernal, Lilybelle C. Arranguz, and Viviel May B. Ramirez.
Conference title: 80th Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) National Convention, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, 27 February-2 March 2019.

Article title: Assessment of the Energy Efficiency of the Fast Oxidative Pyrolysis of Napier Grass in a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban and Gunnar Marc Shane C. Cabaraban.
Conference title: 78th Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PICHE) National Convention, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, 22-25 February 2017.

Article title: Life cycle environmental benefits of generating electricity from spent activated carbon
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban and Gunnar Marc Shane Cabaraban.
Conference title: 77th Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) National Convention 2016, Malay, Aklan, Philippines, 17-20 February 2016

Article title: Fast pyrolysis of biomass
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban
Conference title: EnerCon 2015: The 1st International Energy Conference, Muntinlupa City, Philippines, 23-24 July 2015

Article title: Estimation of Landfill Gas Production and the Energy Availability of Municipal Solid Wastes from Upper Dagong Dumpsite Using the Philippine Landfill Gas Model v.1
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban and Shierlyn Paclijan
Conference title: Energy and Sustainability 2014: 5th International Conference on Energy and Sustainability, Putrajaya, Malaysia, 16-18 December 2014.

Article title: Effects of wind and atmospheric stability conditions on dry deposition in an urban dry deposition model
Authors: Maria Theresa I. Cabaraban and Charles Kroll
Conference title: AGU Fall Meeting 2012, San Francisco, CA, 3-7 December 2012.

Article title: Modeling of Air Pollutant Removal by Urban Trees Using a WRF/CMAQ/i-Tree Coupled System
Authors: Charles N. Kroll, Maria Theresa Isla-Cabaraban, David J. Nowak, Satoshi Hirabayashi, and Theodore Endreny
Conference title: AGU Fall Meeting 2011, San Francisco, CA, 5-9 December 2011

Article title:A Evaluation of Aerobic In-Vessel Composting versus Bioreactor Landfilling Using Life-Cycle Inventory Models
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa, Milind Khire, and Evangelyn C. Alocilja
Conference title: Proceedings of the Symposium on Infrastructure Development and the Environment 2006, Manila, Philippines, 7-8 December 2006.

Article title: Evaluation of Aerobic In-Vessel Composting versus Bioreactor Landfilling Using Life-Cycle Inventory Models
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa, Milind Khire, and Evangelyn C. Alocilja
Conference title: Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Chemical Engineering 2006, Singapore, 3-5 December 2006

Article title: Validity of Chemical Engineering Students' Academic Achievement in the Technical and Professional Courses in Predicting Licensure Examination Performance
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa
Conference title: Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Chemical Engineering 2004, Bangkok, Thailand, 1-3 December 2004.

Article title: Ethanol-Based Biodiesel from Waste Vegetable Oils
Authors: Oliveros, Mary Grace, Amiliza Baiting, Menchie Lumain, and Maria Theresa Cabaraban
Conference title: Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Chemical Engineering 2004, Bangkok, Thailand, 1-3 December 2004

Article title: Solid Waste Audit for the Xavier University Main Campus
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa, Rhoda Delicana, and Ryan Li
Conference title: Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Chemical Engineering 2003, Manila, Philippines, 1-3 December 2003

Article title: High-Solids Anaerobic Digestion Using Kitchen and Yard Wastes as Substrates
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa, Noel Peter Tan, Rosie Lopez, Holden Itum, and Lucelyn Acac.
Conference title: Proceedings of the 2002 Symposium on Chemical Engineering, Manila, Philippines, 6-7 December 2002.

Article title: Anaerobic Digestion of Kitchen and Yard Wastes
Authors: Cabaraban, Maria Theresa, Noel Peter Tan, Rosie Lopez, Holden Itum, and Lucelyn Acac.
Conference title: Proceedings of the Regional Symposium on Chemical Engineering 2002, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 28-30 October 2002

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