Bio revolution of green polymers: advancing the circular bioeconomy via bio-sourced biopolymers, from extraction to diverse applications and sustainability assessment

Chapter 6 - Integrated bio-based processes for the production of industrially important chemicals

Sustainability assessment of products of the tropical tree moringa in Ghana with a focus on small-scale producers

Mango waste valorisation in integrated biorefineries supports circular bioeconomies, sustainable development goals, and climate change mitigation by diverting waste from landfills for value addition. The biorefinery concept potentially supports full valorisation, product diversification, cleaner energy provision, and proper waste management in mango processing facilities. Preferred biorefinery options for commercialisation depend on sustainability attributes (social-economic benefits and acceptance, economic competitiveness, and environmental performance). However, sustainability assessments are often limited to technical and economic feasibility and/or environmental impacts. The study combined the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, Jobs and Economic Development Impact Assessment model, and Multicriteria-Decision Analysis approaches for a holistic sustainability assessment of six simulated commercial integrated mango waste biorefineries (MWBs) co-producing bioproducts, and combined heat and power (CHP). The MWBs are annexed to a dried mango chips processing facility processing 27.8 tonnes/hr of mangoes, generating 5.56 and 6.94 tonnes/hr of peels and seeds, respectively, and 50 tonnes/hr of wastewater. Scenario 1 (S1) produces CHP, S2 co-produces CHP and pectin, S3 includes polyphenols, and S4 produces bioethanol to S2, whereas S5 co-produces polyphenols, pectin, bioethanol, and CHP, and S6 co-produces bioethanol and CHP. Notably, system-wide socio-economic benefits (job creation and value-addition to GDP) increase with the recovery of more bioproducts ( pectin and polyphenols ) . However, selecting sustainable biorefinery pathways depends on preferred sustainability metrics for the stakeholders’ developmental goals instead of the trade-off between environmental and economic benefits. Therefore, the results from this study would inform investment and policy decisions regarding the social benefits and MWB’s acceptance, which complement the economic competitiveness and environmental performance.

Biogranulation process facilitates cost-efficient resources recovery from microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems and the creation of a circular bioeconomy

Herein, a novel, biocatalyzed, and on-water microwave-assisted multicomponent methodology have been developed for the synthesis of trisubstituted thiazoles (4a-4v). The reaction was catalyzed using a sulfonated peanut shell residue-derived carbonaceous catalyst (SPWB). The developed catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and a particle size analyzer (PSA). The acidic sites have been established using acid-base back-titration methods. The molecular structures of all the synthesized compounds were validated using FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental, and HRMS analyses. Herbicidal potential was evaluated by using Raphanus sativus L. as a model. Furthermore, the antibacterial potential of thiazoles was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Xanthomonas campestris, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strains. The compound 4r displayed improved seed growth inhibition in Raphanus sativus L. versus a commercially available herbicide, i.e., pendimethalin. The antibacterial activity was promising against bacterial strains (MIC: 4-64 μg/mL). The compound 4r was the most potent against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus (MIC: 0.0076 μM) versus standard drug streptomycin (MIC: 0.0138 μM). Moreover, in silico studies performed with the most effective compound 4r against P. aeruginosa revealed its potential binding mode within the protein binding pocket. The biological data revealed compound 4r as a potential candidate for the development of potent herbicidal and antibacterial agents. In a nutshell, this study offers peanut shell biowaste to be a sustainable biomass for heterogeneous acid catalyst preparation and its application in the multicomponent synthesis of bioactive thiazoles, accommodating the concept of sustainable development goals and circular bioeconomy.

Organic recycling of post-consumer /industrial bio-based plastics through industrial aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion - Techno-economic sustainability criteria and indicators

Olive waste valorization: advances in nutrient optimization and microbial engineering for lipid production.

Chapter12 - Sustainability assessment of algae-based biomaterials

Application of nanoparticles to microalgae-based wastewater treatment: Mechanisms, bioremediation potential and technological frontiers.

This review examines the valorization potential of the lignocellulosic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a renewable feedstock for sustainable energy and material production. Comprising paper, cardboard, yard trimmings, and food residues, lignocellulosic MSW constitutes a major biodegradable component of urban waste streams with high volatile content and favorable energy density. The review synthesizes recent advances in biochemical (anaerobic digestion and fermentation) and thermochemical (pyrolysis and gasification) conversion technologies, focusing on their underlying mechanisms, process efficiencies, product yields, and environmental implications. Through a critical mapping of technological progress, system integration strategies, and sustainability assessments, this review highlights pathways toward scalable and circular waste valorization. Comparative analysis indicates that biochemical routes are better suited for wet and heterogeneous feedstocks, whereas thermochemical pathways offer higher conversion efficiencies and greater flexibility for energy recovery. Life-cycle assessments (LCAs) further demonstrate that integrating these technologies with effective sorting, pretreatment, and carbon valorization strategies can substantially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and landfill dependence. The review also identifies persistent challenges related to feedstock variability, contamination, and process integration, while highlighting opportunities for hybrid biochemical–thermochemical systems and biochar-based carbon sequestration. Overall, this review advances a sustainability framework in which lignocellulosic MSW is re-envisioned as a cornerstone of circular bioeconomy development, supporting decarbonization and resource efficiency in urban systems.

Innovative valorization of biomass waste-derived sodium silicate for geopolymer concrete synthesis: Sustainability assessment and circular economy potential

Using electromagnetic radiation for producing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) Mixtures: Mechanical, induced heating, and sustainability assessments

Elucidating the prospects of paddy straw as a potential source of nanosilica: A road map towards sustainable agriculture, bioeconomy and entrepreneurship

Advancing circular bioeconomy: A critical review and assessment of indicators

Nanodrug impact on female reproductive health and fetal development: From translation approaches to long-term safety concern.