My research has focused upon integrating novel technologies (anaerobic digestion (AD) and intermediate pyrolysis) for the optimisation of energy production, waste/residue utilisation and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. My recent research area has focused on the development of dry AD and nutrient recovery for the production of fertiliser-type products. Also, we have published some research investigating the survivability of pathogens and antibiotics through AD, prior to land application of the resulting digestate. With pyrolysis, my research interests are focused on utilising novel residues for pyrolysis and the subsequent uses of biochar for crop production and further nutrient recovery technologies.
My PhD investigated adapting current technologies from around the world for the novel purpose to dispose of fallen pig carcases on-farm. AD was investigated as an alternative method to try to alleviate the high cost, high carbon footprint and the biosecurity (pathogen) issues associated with current livestock disposal methods stipulated by EU legislation. Additionally, on behalf of the UK pig industry, I have undertaken further research to investigate the valorisation of pig carcase material through the use of on-farm refrigeration.
These research projects have been undertaken with a range of different companies, both via national and internationally funded research projects. Research grant funding has been kindly provided from a range of funders, for example EPSRC, Horizon 2020, Interreg, UK Department of Transport, AHDB, private companies etc. Some of the research has been undertaken directly with industry to ensure that project deliverables can be transformed into commercial practice.
Professional Memberships
Advance HE
International Water Association (IWA)
Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA)
Environmental Biotechnology Network (EBNet)
Researcher Profile
Academic Department: Agriculture and Environment
Tel: +44 (0) 1952 815 489
Research profile:
Research profile:
Publications
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Other publications
- Kirby, M.E., Mirza, M.W., Leigh, T., Oldershaw, L., Reilly, M. and Jeffery, S. (2019) Heliyon, 75.
- Kirby, ME., Theodorou, M.K., Brizuela, C.M., Huntington, J.A., Powles, J. and Wilkinson, R.G. (2018) The anaerobic digestion of pig carcase with or without sugar beet pulp, as a novel on-farm disposal method. Waste Management, In Press.
- Kirby, M.E., Hornung, A., Ouadi, M. and Theodorou, M. (2017) The role of Thermo-Catalytic Reforming for energy recovery from food and drink supply chain wastes. Energy Procedia, 123, 15-21.
- Toop, T.A., Ward, S., Oldfield, T., Hull, M., Kirby, M.E., Theodorou, M.K. (2017) AgroCyclye – developing a circular economy in agriculture. Energy Procedia, 123, 76-80.
- Kirby, M.E., Wilkinson, R., Apfelbacher, A., Hornung, A. and Theodorou, M.K. (2017) Integration of anaerobic digestion and intermediate pyrolysis to maximise energy recovery. Proceedings from the 15th IWA World Conference on Anaerobic Digestion, Beijing, China, 17-20 October 2017.
- Oreggioni, G.D., Luberti, M., Reilly, M., Kirby, M.E., Toop, T., Theodorou, M. and Tassou, S. (2017) Techno-economic analysis of bio-gas upgrading for bio-methane production from agriculture and food industry waste. Energy Procedia, 123, 1-20.
- Theodorou, M.K., Toop, T., Kirby, M., Reilly, M., Tito, D. Hornung, A. and Ward, S. (2017) Innovations in the efficiency, productivity and valorization of waste in the agricultural production chain. International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture (ICoSA), Yogyakarta, 17-19 January 2017.
- Kirby, M., Hornung, A., Ouadi, M. and Theodorou, M. (2017) The role of Thermo-Catalytic Reforming for energy recovery from food and drink supply chain wastes. Proceedings from the 1st International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Resource Use in Food Chains, Windsor, 19-20 April 2017.
- Oreggioni, G., Luberti, M., Reilly, M., Kirby, M., Toop, T., Theodorou, M. and Tassou, S. (2017) Techno-economic analysis of bio-gas upgrading for bio-methane production from agriculture and food industry waste Proceedings from the 1st International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Resource Use in Food Chains, Windsor, 19-20 April 2017.
- Oreggioni, G.D., Gowreesunker, B.L., Tassou, S.A., Bianchi, G., Reilly, M., Kirby, M.E., Toop, T.A. and Theodorou, M.K. (2017) Potential for energy production from farm wastes using anaerobic digestion in the UK: An economic comparison of different size plants. Energies, 10, 1396
- Kirby, M., Wilkinson, R., Apfelbacher, A., Hornung, A. and Theodorou, M. (2016) The integration of anaerobic digestion and intermediate pyrolysis to maximize the energy recovery from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Proceedings from the Bioenergy Australia 2016 Conference, Brisbane, 14-16 November 2016.
- Kirby, M.E. and Wilkinson, R.G. (2014) (Funded by Fabra, BPEX and NFSCo)
- Kirby, M.E. and Theodorou, M.K. (2014) Open Fields
- Kirby M., Venetsaneas N., Banks C.J., Heaven S., Theodorou M., Wilkinson R. (2014) Increasing energy yield from the integration of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis. Supergen National Assembly, Birmingham, 5th November 2014.
- Kirby, M.E., Brizuela, C.M. and Wilkinson, R.G. (2011) Investigation of farmers’ perspectives on the disposal of fallen livestock and animal by-products in Great Britain Issues in Veterinary Research and Medicine: 2011 Edition
- Kirby, M.E., Brizuela, C.M and Wilkinson, R.G. (2011) Open Fields
- Kirby, M., Brizuela, C.M. and Wilkinson, R.G. (2010) Veterinary Record 167 (16), 606-609.
- Kirby, M.E., Brizuela, C. and Wilkinson, R.G. 2009. (2010) Disposal of fallen livestock: Farmers’ perspective. Poster. Third international symposium of management of animal carcases, tissues and related by-products. California.
- S.E. Pattinson, M.E. Kirby and M.P. Bainbridge. (2009) Open Fields (Coccidiosis is commonly seen in intensively-reared lambs, causing devastating effects. Good husbandry can play a part in preventing the disease and medical drugs have traditionally been used to control it. In one study, garlic supplements were added to the diet of lambs and this was shown to reduce coccidiosis levels, demonstrating potential benefits in preventing coccidiosis. In the second study, lambs fed a garlic supplement showed improvement in their feed conversion efficiency.)
Research projects
- AgroCycle - Researcher
- Critical review of food and feed safety vulnerabilities in circular economy - Researcher
- Feasibility study on the desirability of the UK pig industry adopting carcase cooling as an on-farm method for the storage of fallen pigs prior to disposal - Researcher
- Strategies for the disposal of fallen stock and their applicability to the UK situation - Researcher
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