Biofuel production utilizing Tenebrio molitor: A sustainable approach for organic waste management

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the utilization of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) for biofuel production, offering an innovative and sustainable approach to organic waste management. Mealworms have the unique ability to consume a wide range of organic materials, including complex polysaccharides, transforming these substrates into biomass that can be converted into biofuel. The analysis conducted in this study provides insights into the efficiency and yield of biofuel production from mealworm biomass. Furthermore, the paper examines the benefits of using mealworms for organic waste processing, in particular their capacity to reduce waste volume and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Through life cycle assessment, the study reveals that biofuel production from mealworm biomass could have significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency and carbon footprint when compared to conventional fossil fuels and other biofuel sources. The findings suggest that T. molitor can serve as a promising feedstock for biofuel production, contributing to a circular economy approach and the global efforts towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.