Comparing the Environmental Impact of Disposal Methods of Sugar Production Waste by Simulation Modeling

Abstract

Currently, in Russia there is no established system of sugar waste treatment, while their forming is increasing every year. However the waste of sugar production is a valuable raw material that can serve as a source of energy and commodity goods, and their placement in landfills increases the irreversible climate change. The relevance of agricultural waste treatment is confirmed by the existing legal acts, such as the Doctrine of Food Security and Climate Doctrine of the Russian Federation, as well as the State programs of agricultural development. The given study focuses on comparison of environmental impacts and economic costs and benefits of four scenarios of processing of sugar production waste such as placing at the landfill, incineration, accelerated anaerobic digestion and the production of secondary product, a valuable food ingredient – pectin. The research method for examination of the scenarios is simulation modeling.