Management of pressmud (agroindustry by-product) by conversion to value-added products: a review

Abstract

The agroindustry by-products viz., peanut shell, corn cob, sawdust, paddy husk, pressmud, rice and wheat straw, coconut husk, etc. are generated in huge amount. These are either incinerated or disposed of directly to the landfills. The management of agroindustry by-products can be done by solid state fermentation by conversion into value-added products viz., soil conditioner, compost, single cell protein, mushroom, enzymes, organic acids, biogas, wax, feed for livestock, plant growth substances etc. The review here focuses on management of sugar industry by-product i.e., pressmud by conversion into various value-added products viz., wax, biogas, compost, plant growth, carbon sequestration, feed for livestock, carrier for plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, single cell protein and enzymes. There are very few reports on the management of pressmud by conversion to value-added products. Hence, pressmud agroindustry by-product for value-added products was focused in this review. The agroindustry by-product pressmud is eco-friendly, cheap and also easily available. The review is significant as it mentions the management and value-addition of pressmud, an agroindustry by-product. This will be environmental safe and also economical.