Search Results (877)

Waste activated sludge (WAS), a byproduct of livestock wastewater treatment, poses significant disposal challenges due to its low biodegradability and potential environmental impact. Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a sustainable approach for methane recovery and sludge stabilization. This study evaluates the biomethane potential (BMP) of WAS and its co-digestion with swine slurry (SS), water lily (Nymphaea spp.), and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) shoot biomass to enhance methane yield. Batch BMP assays were conducted at substrate-to-inoculum (S/I) ratios of 1.0 and 0.5, with methane production kinetics analyzed using the modified Gompertz model. Mono-digestion of WAS yielded 259.35–460.88 NmL CH₄/g VS_added, while co-digestion with SS, water lily, and lotus increased yields by 14.89%, 10.97%, and 16.89%, respectively, surpassing 500 NmL CH₄/g VS_added. All co-digestion combinations exhibited synergistic effects (α > 1), enhancing methane production beyond individual substrate contributions. Lower S/I ratios improved methane yields and biodegradability, highlighting the role of inoculum availability. Co-digestion reduced the lag phase limitations of WAS and plant biomass, improving process efficiency. These findings demonstrate that co-digesting WAS with nutrient-rich co-substrates optimizes biogas production, supporting sustainable sludge management and renewable energy recovery in livestock wastewater treatment systems. Full article

Black soldier fly frass (BSFF) is a nutrient-rich organic byproduct with growing potential as a sustainable fertilizer. While its effects on crops have been studied, its impact on tree seedling development for reforestation remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effect of BSFF on the growth and survival of two native Malagasy tree species: the fast-growing Dodonaea madagascariensis and the slow-growing Verpis macrophylla. A six-month nursery experiment tested three BSFF application rates (half-, one-, and two-fold nitrogen equivalence), along with cattle manure, synthetic NPK, and a no-fertilizer control. The survival was highest in the half-fold BSFF (95% for D. madagascariensis, 87.5% for V. macrophylla) and lowest in BSFF two-fold (0% and 22.5%, respectively) treatments. NPK also significantly reduced the survival (5% for D. madagascariensis, 17.5% for V. macrophylla). The growth responses were most pronounced in D. madagascariensis, where the BSFF half- and one-fold treatments led to height growth rates that were 2.0–2.7 times higher than that of the control, cattle manure, and NPK treatments, and diameter growth that was 1.8–2.3 times higher. The biomass accumulation was also significantly higher under the BSFF half- and one-fold treatments for D. madagascariensis. In contrast, V. macrophylla showed limited response to the treatments. These findings indicate that calibrated BSFF application can enhance seedling performance in reforestation efforts, particularly for fast-growing species. Notably, the growth rate of D. madagascariensis doubled (in terms of cm/month) under optimal BSFF treatment—a critical advantage, as time is a key constraint in reforestation and faster growth directly supports more efficient forest restoration. This highlights BSFF’s potential as a sustainable and locally available input for forest restoration in Madagascar. Full article

The sugarcane industry plays a crucial economic role worldwide, with sucrose and ethanol as its main products. However, its processing generates large volumes of by-products—such as bagasse, molasses, vinasse, and straw—that contain valuable components for biotechnological valorization. This review integrates approximately 100 original research articles published in JCR-indexed journals between 2015 and 2025, of which over 50% focus specifically on sugarcane-derived agroindustrial residues. The biotechnological approaches discussed include submerged fermentation, solid-state fermentation, enzymatic biocatalysis, and anaerobic digestion, highlighting their potential for the production of biofuels, enzymes, and high-value bioproducts. In addition to identifying current advances, this review addresses key technical challenges such as (i) the need for efficient pretreatment to release fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass; (ii) the compositional variability of by-products like vinasse and molasses; (iii) the generation of metabolic inhibitors—such as furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural—during thermochemical processes; and (iv) the high costs related to inputs like hydrolytic enzymes. Special attention is given to detoxification strategies for inhibitory compounds and to the integration of multifunctional processes to improve overall system efficiency. The final section outlines emerging trends (2024–2025) such as the use of CRISPR-engineered microbial consortia, advanced pretreatments, and immobilization systems to enhance the productivity and sustainability of bioprocesses. In conclusion, the valorization of sugarcane by-products through biotechnology not only contributes to waste reduction but also supports circular economy principles and the development of sustainable production models. Full article

The plant-based oil industry contributes significantly to food waste/by-products in the form of underutilized biomass, including oil pomace, cake/meal, seeds, peels, wastewater, etc. These waste/by-products contain a significant quantity of nutritious and bioactive compounds (phenolics, lignans, flavonoids, dietary fiber, proteins, and essential minerals) with proven health-promoting effects. The utilization of them as natural, cost-effective, and food-grade functional ingredients in novel food formulations holds considerable potential. This review highlights the potential of waste/by-products generated during plant-based oil processing as a promising source of bioactive compounds and covers systematic research, including recent studies focusing on innovative extraction and processing techniques. It also sheds light on their promising potential for valorization as food ingredients, with a focus on specific examples of food fortification. Furthermore, the potential for value creation in the food industry is emphasized, taking into account associated challenges and limitations, as well as future perspectives. Overall, the current information suggests that the valorization of plant-based oil industry waste and by-products for use in the food industry could substantially reduce malnutrition and poverty, generate favorable health outcomes, mitigate environmental concerns, and enhance economic profit in a sustainable way by developing health-promoting, environmentally sustainable food systems. Full article

Marine biomass, particularly from waste streams, by-products, underutilized, invasive, or potential cultivable marine species, offers a sustainable source of high-value biopolymers such as collagen and chitin. These macromolecules have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functional versatility, and broad applicability across health, food, wellness, and environmental fields. This review highlights recent advances in the uses of marine-derived collagen and chitin/chitosan. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we analyze how these applications contribute to sustainability, particularly in SDGs related to responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being, and life below water. Furthermore, we contextualize the advancement of product development using marine collagen and chitin/chitosan within the European Union’s Blue bioeconomy strategies, highlighting trends in scientific research and technological innovation through bibliometric and patent data. Finally, the review addresses challenges facing the development of robust value chains for these marine biopolymers, including collaboration, regulatory hurdles, supply-chain constraints, policy and financial support, education and training, and the need for integrated marine resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation and sustainability in the valorization of these marine resources. Full article

The cigarette butt (CB) recycling process yields several byproducts, including cleaned filters, solid debris (mainly paper and tobacco), and wastewater. This study aimed to assess, for the first time, the long-term suitability of these recycled byproducts for turfgrass cultivation. Under controlled conditions, Paspalum vaginatum Swartz was grown in sand–peat substrate, either unmodified (control) or amended with small pieces of uncleaned CBs or solid byproducts from CB recycling at concentrations of 25% or 50% (v/v). In additional tests, turfgrass grown in unmodified substrate received wastewater instead of tap water once or twice weekly. Over 7 weeks, physiological and biometric parameters were assessed. Plants grown with solid debris showed traits comparable to the control. Those grown with intact CBs or cleaned filters had similar biomass and coverage as the control but accumulated more carotenoids and antioxidants. Wastewater significantly enhanced plant growth when applied once weekly, while becoming toxic when applied twice, reducing biomass and coverage. After scalping, turfgrass recovered well across all treatments, and in some cases biomass improved. Overall, recycled CB byproducts, particularly wastewater used at optimal concentrations, can be a sustainable resource for promoting turfgrass growth. Full article

Biobutanol is becoming more relevant as a promising alternative biofuel, primarily due to its advantageous characteristics. These include a higher energy content and density compared to traditional biofuels, as well as its ability to mix effectively with gasoline, further enhancing its viability as a potential replacement. A viable strategy for attaining carbon neutrality, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and utilizing sustainable and renewable resources is the use of biomass to produce biobutanol. Lignocellulosic materials have gained widespread recognition as highly suitable feedstocks for the synthesis of butanol, together with various value-added byproducts. The successful generation of biobutanol hinges on three crucial factors: effective feedstock pretreatment, the choice of fermentation techniques, and the subsequent enhancement of the produced butanol. While biobutanol holds promise as an alternative biofuel, it is important to acknowledge certain drawbacks associated with its production and utilization. One significant limitation is the relatively high cost of production compared to other biofuels; additionally, the current reliance on lignocellulosic feedstocks necessitates significant advancements in pretreatment and bioconversion technologies to enhance overall process efficiency. Furthermore, the limited availability of biobutanol-compatible infrastructure, such as distribution and storage systems, poses a barrier to its widespread adoption. Addressing these drawbacks is crucial for maximizing the potential benefits of biobutanol as a sustainable fuel source. This document presents an extensive review encompassing the historical development of biobutanol production and explores emerging trends in the field. Full article

The production of bio-based products for different purposes has become an increasingly common strategy over the last few decades, both in Europe and worldwide. This trend seeks to contribute to mitigating the impacts associated with climate change and to cope with the ambitious objectives established at European level. Over recent decades, agro-industries have shown significant potential as biomass suppliers, triggering the development of robust logistical supply chains and the valorization of by-products to obtain bio-based products that can be marketed at competitive prices. However, this transformation may, in some cases, involve restructuring traditional business model to incorporate the biorefinery concept. In this sense, the first step in developing a bio-based value chain involves assessing the resource’s availability and characterizing the feedstock to select the valorization pathway and the bio-application with the greatest potential. The paper incorporates inputs from a case study on PATURPAT, a company commercializing a wide range of ready-prepared potato products, which has commissioned a starch extraction facility to process the rejected pieces of potatoes and water from the process to obtain starch that can be further valorized for different bio-applications. This study aims to comprehensively review current trends and frameworks for potatoes processing agro-industries and define the most suitable bio-applications to target, as well as identify opportunities and challenges. Full article

Marine biomass represents a valuable yet underexploited resource for the development of high-value biomaterials. Recent advances have highlighted the significant potential of marine-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides in biomedical applications, most notably in drug delivery and wound healing. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research on the extraction, processing and pharmaceutical valorization of these biopolymers, with a focus on their structural and functional properties that allow these materials to be engineered into nanocarriers, hydrogels, scaffolds, and smart composites. Key fabrication strategies such as ionic gelation, desolvation, and 3D bioprinting are critically examined for their role in drug encapsulation, release modulation, and scaffold design for regenerative therapies. The review also covers preclinical validation, scale-up challenges, and relevant regulatory frameworks, offering a practical roadmap from sustainable sourcing to clinical application. Special attention is given to emerging technologies, including stimuli-responsive biomaterials and biosensor-integrated wound dressings, as well as to the ethical and environmental implications of marine biopolymer sourcing. By integrating materials science, pharmaceutical technology and regulatory insight, this review aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective for researchers and industrial stakeholders seeking sustainable and multifunctional pharmaceutical platforms for precision medicine and regenerative therapeutics. Full article

Gasification of municipal solid waste and other biogenic residues (e.g., biomass and biowaste) is increasingly recognized as a promising thermochemical pathway for converting non-recyclable fractions into valuable energy carriers, with applications in electricity generation, district heating, hydrogen production, and synthetic fuels. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of major gasification technologies, including fixed bed, fluidized bed, entrained flow, plasma, supercritical water, microwave-assisted, high-temperature steam, and rotary kiln systems. Key aspects such as feedstock compatibility, operating parameters, technology readiness level, and integration within circular economy frameworks are critically evaluated. A comparative assessment of incineration and pyrolysis highlights the environmental and energetic advantages of gasification. The valorization pathways for main product (syngas) and by-products (syngas, ash, tar, and biochar) are also explored, emphasizing their reuse in environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications. Despite progress, large-scale adoption in Europe is constrained by economic, legislative, and technical barriers. Future research should prioritize scaling emerging systems, optimizing by-product recovery, and improving integration with carbon capture and circular energy infrastructures. Supported by recent European policy frameworks, gasification is positioned to play a key role in sustainable waste-to-energy strategies, biomass valorization, and the transition to a low-emission economy. Full article

As the global demand for eco-friendly food ingredients grows, marine macroalgae emerge as a valuable resource for multiple applications using a circular bioeconomy approach. In this study, green macroalgae Ulva flexuosa, naturally accumulated in aquaculture ponds as a residual biomass (by-product) of shrimp and oyster farming, were investigated regarding their bioactivity, chemical composition, and antioxidant properties. The use of aquaculture by-products as raw materials not only reduces waste accumulation but also makes better use of natural resources and adds value to underutilized biomass, contributing to sustainable production systems. For this, a comprehensive approach including the evaluation of its composition and environmentally friendly extraction of bioactive compounds was conducted and discussed. Green macroalgae exhibited high fiber (37.63% dry weight, DW) and mineral (30.45% DW) contents. Among the identified compounds, palmitic acid and linoleic acid (ω-6) were identified in the highest concentrations. Pigment analysis revealed a high concentration of chlorophylls (73.95 mg/g) and carotenoids (17.75 mg/g). To evaluate the bioactivity of Ulva flexuosa, ultrasound-assisted solid–liquid extraction was performed using water, ethanol, and methanol. Methanolic extracts showed the highest flavonoid content (59.33 mg QE/100 g), while aqueous extracts had the highest total phenolic content (41.50 mg GAE/100 g). Ethanolic and methanolic extracts had the most potent DPPH scavenging activity, whereas aqueous and ethanolic extracts performed best at the ABTS assay. Overall, we show the upcycling of Ulva flexuosa, an underexplored aquaculture by-product, as a sustainable and sensible strategy for multiple value-added applications. Full article

Climate change resulting from human development necessitates increased land use, food, and energy consumption, underscoring the need for sustainable development. Incorporating various feedstocks into value-added liquid fuels and bioproducts is essential for achieving sustainability. Most biomass consists of cell walls, which serve as a primary carbon source for bioenergy and biorefinery processes. This structure contains a cellulose core, where lignin and hemicelluloses are crosslinked and embedded in a pectin matrix, forming diverse polysaccharide architectures across different species and tissues. Nineteen agro-industrial waste products were analyzed for their potential use in a circular economy. The analysis included cell wall composition, saccharification, and calorific potential. Thermal capacity and degradation were similar among the evaluated wastes. The feedstocks of corn cob, corn straw, soybean husk, and industry paper residue exhibited a higher saccharification capacity despite having lower lignin and uronic acid contents, with cell walls comprising 30% glucose and 60% xylose. Therefore, corn, soybeans, industrial paper residue, and sugarcane are more promising for bioethanol production. Additionally, duckweed, barley, sorghum, wheat, rice, bean, and coffee residues could serve as feedstocks for other by-products in green chemistry, generating valuable products. Our findings show that agro-industrial residues display a variety of polymers that are functional for various applications in different industry sectors. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable poultry production has urged the exploration of alternative feed strategies supporting animal performance and environmental goals. The first section outlines the protein requirements in broiler nutrition (19–25% crude protein) and the physiological importance of balanced amino acid profiles. Vegetal conventional protein sources are discussed in terms of their nutritional value (12.7–20.1 MJ/kg), limitations (antinutritional factors), and availability. Emerging trends in broiler nutrition highlight the integration of supplements and the need for innovative feed solutions as support for the improvement in broiler body weight and feed efficiency increase. Microbial protein sources: yeast biomass (41–60% of 100 g dry weight), microbial mixed cultures (32–76% of 100 g dry weight), and beer by-products, such as brewer’s spent yeast (43–52% of 100 g dry weight), offer promising nutritional profiles, rich in bioactive compounds (vitamin B complex, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants), and may contribute to improved gut health, immunity, and feed efficiency when used as dietary supplements. The review also addresses the regulatory and safety considerations associated with the use of microbial protein in animal feed, emphasizing EU legislation and standards. Finally, recent findings on the impact of microbial protein supplementation on broiler growth performance, carcass traits, and overall health status are discussed. This review supports the inclusion of microbial protein sources as valuable co-nutrients that complement conventional feed proteins, contributing to more resilient and sustainable broiler production and broiler meat products. Full article

The efficient use of renewable lignocellulosic biomass has attracted wide interest, as it promises to reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption. A recently developed batch-scale process, which produces glycol lignin (GL) from softwood biomass, generates a considerable amount of cellulose-rich solid residues (SRs) as a byproduct. In this study, usable cellulose was isolated from SRs in the form of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (O-CNCs). The properties of O-CNCs were investigated to establish a possible integrated biomass utilization system based on the GL production technology. Three different forms of purified SRs—never-dried (N-Cel), freeze-dried (F-Cel), and vacuum-dried (V-Cel) cellulose—were subjected to oxalic acid (OA) hydrolysis at 95 °C for 4 h. The average length of O-CNCs ranged from 90 to 120 nm and the height ranged from 3 to 6 nm for separate particles and from 8 to 20 nm for aggregates. The carboxyl group content was 0.11–0.23 mmol/g O-CNCs. The overall results indicated that the yields, dimensions, surface charges, and thermal stability of the O-CNCs were largely influenced by the nature of the starting cellulose. In addition, O-CNCs prepared from recycled OA exhibited similar properties to those prepared from fresh OA. Full article

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the energy and environmental potential of waste biomass in the form of hazelnut shells from selected Turkish varieties of Corylus avellana L. Eight commercial varieties (Çakıldak, Foşa, İnce Kara, Kalın Kara, Palaz, Tombul, Yassı Badem and Yuvarlak Badem) grown in different regions of the Black Sea coast of Turkey were analyzed. The scope of this study included whole nut and shell weight determination, technical and elemental analysis, higher heating value (HHV) and lower net heating value (LHV), as well as emission factors (CO, CO₂, NO_x, SO₂, dust) and flue gas composition based on stoichiometric calculations. The results showed a significant effect of varietal characteristics on all analyzed parameters. The share of shell in the total weight of the nut ranged from 43.5% (Tombul) to 55.3% (İnce Kara). HHV values ranged from 18.37 to 19.20 MJ·kg⁻¹, and LHV from 17.05 to 17.90 MJ·kg⁻¹. The İnce Kara and Yassı Badem varieties showed the most favorable energy properties. Elemental analysis confirmed a low nitrogen and sulfur content, which translated into low NO_x and SO₂ emissions. NO_x emissions were lowest for the Tombul variety (1.43 kg·Mg⁻¹), and SO₂ emissions were close to zero in each variety. The results confirm that Turkish hazelnut shells are a valuable energy resource and can be used as solid fuel or supplementary biomass. In particular, the İnce Kara variety was identified as the most promising due to its high shell weight, very good fuel properties, and high yield potential. This study underscores the importance of selecting the right variety to optimize agricultural waste utilization strategies within a circular economy. Full article