Search Results (142)

This study proposes an integrated framework for sustainable tropical agriculture by combining biochemical waste valorization with spatial carbon footprint estimation in ‘Phulae’ pineapple production. Peel and eye residues from fresh-cut processing were enzymatically converted into rare sugar, achieving average conversion efficiencies of 35.28% for peel and 37.51% for eyes, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1.56 and an estimated unit cost of USD 0.17 per gram. A complementary zero-waste pathway produced functional gummy products using vinegar fermented from pineapple eye waste, with the preferred formulation scoring a mean of 4.32 out of 5 on a sensory scale with 158 untrained panelists. For spatial carbon modeling, the Bare Land Referenced Algorithm (BRAH) and Otsu thresholding were applied to multi-temporal Sentinel-2 and THEOS imagery to estimate plantation age, which strongly correlated with field-measured emissions (r = 0.996). This enabled scalable mapping of plot-level greenhouse gas emissions, yielding an average footprint of 0.2304 kg CO₂ eq. per kilogram of fresh pineapple at the plantation gate. Together, these innovations form a replicable model that aligns tropical fruit supply chains with circular economy goals and carbon-related trade standards. The framework supports waste traceability, resource efficiency, and climate accountability using accessible, data-driven tools suitable for smallholder contexts. By demonstrating practical value addition and spatially explicit carbon monitoring, this study shows how integrated circular and geospatial strategies can advance sustainability and market competitiveness for the ‘Phulae’ pineapple industry and similar perennial crop systems. Full article

Biodrying and composting are aerobic processes to treat and stabilize organic solid waste, but biodrying involves a shorter process time and does not require the addition of water. The resulting biodried material (BM) is mainly used as an energy source in cement production or in municipal solid waste incineration with energy recovery, but when obtained from agricultural or agroindustrial organic waste, it could also be used as a soil amendment, such as compost (CO). In this study, the phytotoxicity of BM compared to CO, both made from organic wastes (orange peel, mulch and grass), was evaluated on seed germination and growth (for 90 days) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings on treatments prepared from mixtures of BM and soil, soil (100%) and a mixture of CO and soil. The germination index (GI%) was higher for BM extracts (200 g/L) than for CO extracts (68% vs. 53%, respectively). According to their dry weight, lettuce grew more on the CO mixture (16.5 g) than on the BM (5.4–7.4 g), but both materials far exceeded the soil values (0.15 g). The absence of phytotoxicity suggests that BM acts as a soil amendment, improving soil structure and providing nutrients to the soil. Therefore, biodrying is a quick and low-cost bioprocess to obtain a soil improver. Full article

The Mediterranean region is increasingly confronted with intersecting environmental, agricultural, and socio-economic challenges, including biowaste accumulation, soil degradation, and high dependency on imported fossil fuels. Biomethane, a renewable substitute for natural gas, offers a strategic solution that aligns with the region’s need for sustainable energy transition and circular resource management. This review examines the current state of biomethane production in the Mediterranean area, with a focus on anaerobic digestion (AD) technologies, feedstock availability, policy drivers, and integration into the circular bioeconomy (CBE) framework. Emphasis is placed on the valorisation of regionally abundant feedstocks such as olive pomace, citrus peel, grape marc, cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) residues, livestock manure, and the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW). The multifunctionality of AD—producing renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestate—is highlighted for its dual role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and restoring soil health, especially in areas threatened by desertification such as Sicily (Italy), Spain, Malta, and Greece. The review also explores emerging innovations in biogas upgrading, nutrient recovery, and digital monitoring, along with the role of Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) and national biomethane strategies in scaling up deployment. Case studies and decentralised implementation models underscore the socio-technical feasibility of biomethane systems across rural and insular territories. Despite significant potential, barriers such as feedstock variability, infrastructural gaps, and policy fragmentation remain. The paper concludes with a roadmap for research and policy to advance biomethane as a pillar of Mediterranean climate resilience, energy autonomy and sustainable agriculture within a circular bioeconomy paradigm. Full article

In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action), this research explores the sustainable valorization of mangosteen peels into mangosteen peel powder (MPP), a value-added product with pharmaceutical properties. Mangosteen peels are an abundant agricultural waste in Thailand. This study evaluates six MPP production schemes, each employing different drying methods. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is utilized to assess the global warming potential (GWP) of these schemes, and the quality of the MPP produced is also compared. The results show that a combination of frozen storage and freeze-drying (scheme 4) has the highest GWP (1091.897 kgCO₂eq) due to substantial electricity usage, whereas a combination of frozen storage and sun-drying (scheme 5) has the lowest GWP (0.031 kgCO₂eq) but is prone to microbial contamination. Frozen storage without coarse grinding, combined with hot-air drying (scheme 6), is identified as the optimal scheme in terms of GWP (11.236 kgCO₂eq) and product quality. Due to the lack of an onsite hot-air-drying facility, two transportation strategies are integrated into scheme 6 for scenarios A and B. These transportation strategies include transporting mangosteen peels from orchards to a facility in another province or transporting a mobile hot-air-drying unit to the orchards. The analysis indicates that scenario B is more favorable both operationally and environmentally, due to its lower emissions. This research is the first to comparatively assess the GWP of different MPP production schemes using LCA. Furthermore, it aligns with the growing trend in international trade which places greater emphasis on environmentally friendly production processes. Full article

The widespread use of conventional plastic in food packaging has raised serious environmental issues due to its persistence and poor biodegradability. With growing concerns over plastic pollution and its long-term ecological impact, researchers are increasingly turning to natural, renewable sources for sustainable alternatives. Agricultural waste, often discarded in large quantities, offers a valuable resource for producing biodegradable polymers. This review discusses the environmental burden caused by traditional plastics and explores how agricultural residues such as rice husks, corn cobs, and fruit peels can be converted into eco-friendly packaging materials. Various types of biopolymers sourced from agricultural waste, including cellulose, starch, plant and animal-based proteins, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and polylactic acid (PLA), are examined for their properties, benefits, and limitations in food packaging applications. Each material presents unique characteristics in terms of biodegradability, mechanical strength, and barrier performance. While significant progress has been made, several challenges remain, including cost-effective production, material performance, and compliance with food safety regulations. Looking ahead, innovations in material processing, waste management integration, and biopolymer formulation could pave the way for widespread adoption. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments and future directions in the use of agricultural waste for sustainable packaging solutions, comparing their biodegradability and performance to conventional plastics. Full article

High levels of pesticide use are associated with intensive crop production. Pesticides are increasingly prevalent in surface and groundwater, which is a major environmental concern. Various methods have been proposed to improve the retention and/or degradation of pesticides in soils. These methods are mainly based on soil adaptation with organic wastes to mitigate soil and water pollution. In addition, there has recently been increased interest in assessing the influence of organic waste additions on pesticide movement in soils with low contents of organic matter. Agriculture and related industries generate large amounts of waste each year. Because of their components, they have the great ability to produce high-value products for environmental restoration. This study reports on the influence of four different agro-industrial wastes (orange peel, beer bagasse, grape pomace, and gazpacho waste) used as organic amendments on the leaching of metobromuron and chlorbromuron (phenylurea herbicides) on a silty clay loam soil (gypsic–calcaric regosol) with low organic matter contents from a semiarid area (southeastern Spain). The adsorption, leaching, and dissipation processes of these herbicides were evaluated on a laboratory scale in amended and unamended soils. In addition, the main leaching indices (GUS, LIX, LEACH, M LEACH, LIN, GLI, HI, and ELI) commonly used to assess groundwater protection against pesticide pollution were evaluated. The sorption coefficients (K_OC) increased in the amended soils. Metobromuron was found in leachates in all cases, although a marked reduction was observed in amended soils, while chlorbromuron was mainly retained in soils, especially in the top layer. The disappearance time (DT₅₀) for metobromuron and chlorbromuron in soil ranged from 11 to 56 d and 18 to 95 d, respectively. All indices except GLI categorize metobromuron as mobile or very mobile in unamended soil. For chlorbromuron, GUS, LIX, LEACH, MLEACH, and Hornsby classify this compound as a medium-to-high leache, while GLI and ELI classify it as having low mobility. In amended soils, most indices classify metobromuron as transitioning to mobile, while most indices catalog chlorbromuron as immobile/transition. Full article

The Caribbean faces many environmental issues, and the mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the challenges of global warming are not sufficient in this geographical region. Considering that agriculture is a relevant activity in most countries around this region, our study proposes to enhance Caribbean waste management by transitioning to a sustainable and resilient process in the framework of a green, circular economy. The research has been focused on the thermochemical transformation of the typical residues of Caribbean farm products (plantain rachis, and cassava peel). Biochar samples were synthesized from these biomasses by the slow pyrolysis method at different temperatures (300 °C, 400 °C, and 500 °C). Biochar samples with a smooth surface were synthesized from plantain rachis biomass, while biochar samples with a porous surface were obtained from cassava peel biomass. At the same pyrolysis temperature, all biochar samples derived from plantain rachis exhibited higher production biochar yields than those biochar samples derived from cassava peel. The yield percentages were determined to be 65.7% and 62.0% at a pyrolysis temperature of 300 °C; 45.6% and 37.5% at 400 °C; and 33.7% and 25.4% at 500 °C, respectively. XRD measurements revealed that both biomass-derived biochar samples were found to be enriched with several compounds, such as kalicinite, arcanite, sylvite, CaO₃Si, and MgO₃Si, which vary according to the pyrolysis temperature. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of carbonyl and carboxyl functional groups on the surface of all biochar samples. However, only the aliphatic functional groups were observed on the surface of the biochar samples derived from cassava peel. These characteristics are of particular relevance due to their potential application in soil amendment or water remediation. Full article

The bioprocessing of agricultural wastes to produce microbial enzymes has become significant due to its benefits in reducing enzyme production costs and improving waste management. In this study, various substrates, including spent coffee grounds, coffee husks, coffee pulp, rice husks, rice bran, pomelo albedo, pomelo flavedo, orange peel, banana peel, sugarcane bagasse, and starch, were used as organic nutrient sources for α-amylase biosynthesis by B. licheniformis TKU004. Among the tested substrates, pomelo albedo (3%, w/v) was the most suitable carbon source for amylase production, with a productivity of 80.645 U/mL. The purification process resulted in a 60 kDa amylase. The protein identification of B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase revealed a coverage rate of 39% with α-amylase from Bacillus subtilis 168. B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase exhibited optimal activity at 60 °C and pH = 7 and showed a high compatibility with EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis demonstrated that B. licheniformis TKU004 amylase is an α-amylase with the final products of maltobiose, maltose, and glucose. Due to its important properties, such as tolerance to EDTA, B. licheniformis TKU 004 amylase may be valuable for industrial applications, especially in detergents and food processing. Full article

Antibiotic resistance remains a pressing global health concern, necessitating the development of sustainable and innovative antimicrobial strategies. Plant-based nanomaterials, particularly those synthesized from agricultural byproducts, such as mango seeds, tomato skins, and orange peels, have emerged as promising candidates due to their potent antimicrobial activity and reduced likelihood of resistance development. These nanomaterials exert their effects through diverse mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, the disruption of microbial membranes, and interference with critical cellular functions, such as DNA replication. Beyond their antimicrobial properties, recent studies have demonstrated their ability to modulate gut microbiota composition—promoting beneficial genera such as, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while inhibiting pathogenic species like Staphylococcus spp. This dual functionality positions them as attractive agents for prebiotic interventions and targeted dietary strategies. The convergence of plant-derived nanotechnology and personalized nutrition, guided by individual microbiota profiles, offers a novel paradigm for enhancing host health and preventing infection-related disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainable production of nanomaterials from agricultural and food industry waste, their antimicrobial and prebiotic applications, and their potential in regulating gut microbiota. Furthermore, we discuss emerging nanoenabled strategies to combat infectious diseases and highlight future directions for mechanistic studies, safety assessments, and clinical translation in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food contexts. Full article

Waste products from agricultural crops can become valuable if their benefits are discovered. Mangosteen, known as the “queen of fruits”, has a pericarp extract that has been reported to possess various biological activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial activity, and UVB protection (in vitro and in vivo). In this work, we revealed that mangosteen pericarp extract (MPE) exhibits photoprotective properties in primary human dermal fibroblasts (PHDFs) exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA). The α-mangostin content, a major compound in MPE, was determined to be 60.9 ± 1.2% using HPLC. In an in vitro, cell-based assay, we first assessed the cytotoxicity of MPE on PHDFs using the MTT assay. The highest concentration of MPE that showed no cytotoxicity was 50.0 µg/mL. For antioxidative effects, MPE reduced intracellular ROS levels induced by H₂O₂, compared to H₂O₂-treated PHDFs. To assess the photoprotective effect of MPE, cells were pretreated with MPE for 24 h before exposure to UVA at an intensity of 5 J/cm². Our data demonstrated that MPE pretreatment reduced the accumulation of senescent cells compared to UVA-induced senescent cells (7.1 ± 2.4% vs. 12.0 ± 0.2%, respectively). In addition, we examined key aging-related markers, including matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and collagen type I. The expression level of MMP-1 levels was 23,873.4 ± 5498.1 pg/mL in MPE-treated, UVA-induced PHDFs, compared to 38,929.1 ± 6971.4 pg/mL in untreated UVA-induced PHDFs. Meanwhile, procollagen type I in MPE-pretreated PHDFs was 56,443.3 ± 3623.8 pg/mL, compared to 37,137.4 ± 4614.8 pg/mL in UVA-induced PHDFs. These experimental results highlight the photoprotective properties of Garcinia mangostana peel extract, which contains α-mangostin as a major compound, and suggest its potential as an active ingredient in cosmeceuticals for protecting against UVA-induced aging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the photoprotective effects of MPE on UVA-induced senescent cells. Full article

In normal conditions, neuroinflammation induces microglia and astrocyte activation to maintain brain homeostasis. However, excessive or prolonged neuroinflammation can inflict harmful damage on brain tissue. Numerous factors can trigger chronic neuroinflammation, ultimately leading to neurodegeneration. In this context, considering the pressing need for novel, natural approaches to mitigate neuroinflammatory damage, attention has turned to unconventional sources such as agricultural by-products. Citrus fruits are widely consumed globally, producing substantial waste, including peels, seeds, and pulp. Traditionally regarded as agricultural waste, these by-products are now recognized as valuable reservoirs of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, and limonoids. Among these, citrus polyphenols—particularly flavanones like hesperidin, naringenin, and eriocitrin—have emerged as potent modulators of neuroinflammatory pathways through their multifaceted interactions with cellular antioxidant systems, pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, neurovascular integrity, and gut–brain axis dynamics. This review aims to characterize the key molecules present in citrus waste and synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

This study explores the creation and characterization of a compostable biopolymer derived from banana peels, addressing the issue of organic waste. Rich in protein, fiber, water, and cellulose, banana peels can be transformed into biodegradable polymers through acid hydrolysis, which breaks down cellulose chains, making them suitable for use in aquiculture and agriculture. Methionine, an essential amino acid for aquiculture, was added to enhance the biopolymer’s value in fish feed. The biopolymer was synthesized by heating, crushing, and subjecting the peels to acid hydrolysis. The methionine was integrated by causing it to form ester bonds with the cellulose. The products were characterized using UV-VIS and IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-VIS and IR spectra confirmed the incorporation of the methionine, while TGA showed reduced mass loss in the methionine-enriched biopolymer, likely due to the retention of water molecules. SEM images revealed roughness, indicating the crosslinking of the small cellulose chains. The incorporation of methionine led to a more uniform and compact structure. The obtained biopolymer has potential applications in agriculture, especially for potato cultivation, and shows promise for sustainable aquiculture, particularly in tilapia feed. This research contributes to both waste valorization and the development of eco-friendly materials. Full article

Preventing metal corrosion is one of the most pressing issues in the modern world. One of the most effective ways to combat corrosion is to use inhibitors. Currently, much research is devoted to the study of green corrosion inhibitors obtained from plant extracts and agricultural waste. In this study, banana peel extract, rice straw extract, and their mixture as green corrosion inhibitors of carbon steel samples in 1 M HCl solution were examined by weight loss, electrochemical, and scanning electron microscopy methods. The experimental results showed that the mixture of extracts (40:60 banana peel and rice straw) had a higher inhibitory capacity than the individual inhibitors. At 750 ppm after 24 h of immersion, the inhibition of banana peel, rice extract, and the suggested mixture was 77.87, 95.03, and 96.36%, respectively. Furthermore, the mixture exhibited a maximum synergistic inhibition value of 1.65, indicating a 65% increase in inhibition efficiency when using the mixture instead of the extract alone. Nyquist plots obtained from electrochemical experiments confirmed the optimum concentration value of 750 ppm for banana peel extract, rice extract, and their mixture. These tests also show that the diameter of the semicircles in the presence of the mixture was larger than in the case of the extract alone, indicating a higher inhibitory capacity of the mixture. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the formation of a stable protective film on the metal surface. Finally, adsorption analysis showed the presence of both physical and chemical adsorptions of all the extracts used, which was obtained using the Langmuir isotherm. Full article

There is a growing interest in promoting health and improving quality of life, which has led consumers to prefer foods that offer not only basic nutrition but also additional health benefits. In this space, yogurt has gained increasing attention due to its potential to deliver bioactive compounds and improve overall consumer well-being. As a fermented dairy product consumed globally, yogurt serves as an effective dietary base for nutritional enhancement through the incorporation of a wide range of primary agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, and their respective by-products, including peels, seeds, and pomace. This review provides an overview of recent advances in yogurt biofortification using primary agricultural matrices and agro-industrial by-products within the framework of sustainable food systems and the circular economy. Significant increases in antioxidant activity and final phytochemical content are observed after the addition of ingredients to yogurt. Enrichment with dietary fiber from fruit peels or pomace also improved syneresis control and viscosity of the products. The microbiological viability of probiotic strains was maintained or increased in most formulations, and sensory acceptance remained favorable with enriched yogurts. These findings highlight the potential of agricultural matrices to enhance yogurt functionality, promoting sustainability and reducing food waste. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive kinetic and thermodynamic investigation of dried orange peel (OP) combustion, employing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) at high heating rates (20–80 K min⁻¹). This gap in high heating rate analysis motivates the novelty of present study, by investigating OP combustion at 20, 40, 60, and 80 K min⁻¹ using TGA, to closely simulate rapid thermal conditions typical of industrial combustion processes. Thermal decomposition occurred in three distinct stages corresponding sequentially to the dehydration, degradation of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. Activation energy (E_a) was calculated using six model-free methods—Friedman (FR), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Starink (STK), Kissinger (K), and Vyazovkin (VY)—yielding values between 64 and 309 kJ mol⁻¹. The E_a increased progressively from the initial to final degradation stages, reflecting the thermal stability differences among biomass constituents. Further kinetic analysis using the Coats–Redfern (CR) model-fitting method identified that first-order (F1), second-order (F2), and diffusion-based mechanisms (D1, D2, D3) effectively describe OP combustion. Calculated thermodynamic parameters—including enthalpy (ΔH), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and entropy (ΔS)—indicated the endothermic and increasingly non-spontaneous nature of the reactions at higher conversions. These findings demonstrate the potential of OP, an abundant agricultural waste product, as a viable bioenergy resource, contributing valuable insights into sustainable combustion processes. Full article