Valorization Of By-products Research Articles

The Development of Novel Edible Films from Single-Cell Protein Produced by the Biotechnological Valorization of Cheese Whey

The production of value-added products from microorganisms, such as single-cell protein (SCP), through the valorization of agricultural byproducts enhances circular economy while offering alternative solutions for waste treatment. In this study, SCP was obtained through the biotechnological treatment and valorization of cheese whey, the main byproduct of the dairy industry, for the development of novel edible films. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report examining SCP as a biopolymer for edible film production. Specifically, Kluyveromyces marxianus, which has gained QPS and GRAS status, strain EXF-5288 cultivated in deproteinized cheese whey (DCW) lactose (10.0 g/L) in a 3 L fed-batch bioreactor, resulting in a SCPmax of 2.63 g/L with a protein content of up to 49.1% w/w. The addition of increased glycerol concentrations (30, 40, and 50% w/w of dry cells) as plasticizers was examined to develop SCP-based edible films. Regarding physicochemical characterization, increased glycerol concentration significantly increased moisture content (MC%) and solubility (S%), but there was not a significant difference in other parameters. Regarding wettability, SCP-based films could be described as oleophilic surfaces since the degree of oil contact angle (OCA) ranged between 46.7° ± 1.3 and 54.0° ± 0.5. The proposed holistic approach could contribute to the development of sustainable packaging materials through waste treatment.

Supercritical CO2 extraction of valuable lipophilic compounds from pre-fractionated sour cherry pomace and evaluation of their composition and properties

Valorisation of fruit processing by-products and waste is an important task for increasing the sustainability of agro-food sector. In this study, pitted sour cherry pomace was mechanically pre-fractionated into the 6 different particle size (>10, 4−10, 3−4, 1−3, 0.8−1, <0.8 mm) fractions (9.71−16.41 % proteins, 5.68−12.16 % fat, 62.55−78.39 % carbohydrates) and subjected to supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 for the recovery of lipophilic constituents. Extract yield depended on fat content and was from 3.38 % to 8.69 %. Linoleic (38.52−47.11 %) and oleic (21.85−39.03 %) were major fatty acids, while triacylglycerols composed of these acids were major in the extracted oils. The concentrations of tocopherols, carotenoids and phytosterols in the extracts were 116.3−432.0, 1218−2564 and 4294−8449 μg/g. Antioxidant activity values were determined for the extracts and solids of initial dry pomace and its residue after extraction. Folin-Ciocalteu Index (basically similar to total phenolic content, TPC), ABTS•+-scavenging and oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC) values of extracts were 7.86−8.75 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g, 1.72−6.37 and 35.12−95.49 of mg trolox equivalents/g, respectively. It is the first report on comprehensive characterisation of sour cherry pomace fractions extracted by supercritical CO2.

Bioactive peptides from by-products of shrimp processing: A review

Currently, the mismanagement of marine by-products (head, skin, guts, blood, and bones) is a problem for the seafood processing industry, causing economic losses and environmental problems. Shrimp is a high-protein marine plankton species, and after processing, 45% of the total weight is discarded. Therefore, processes must be developed to recover biomolecules from this waste. Hydrolysis of shrimp by-products is an efficient way to add value to the protein for the extraction of bioactive peptides. The present review focuses on recent research on the use of marine by-products to obtain bioactive peptides, especially those from shrimp waste, and discusses their benefits for human health. Protein hydrolysates from shrimp by-products are a viable and technological strategy to obtain peptides of different sizes and improved antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolaemic activities. Therefore, the reuse and valorisation of shrimp by-products by obtaining bioactive peptides is an active research area, with potential applications and beneficial effects for human health, the environment, and the economy. However, further studies are needed to ensure their safe use, and to understand their mechanism of action.

Valorization of fish processing by-products for protein hydrolysate recovery: Opportunities, challenges and regulatory issues

Protein-rich fish processing by-products, often called rest raw materials (RRM), account for approximately 60% of the total fish biomass. However, a considerable amount of these RRM is utilized for low-value products such as fish meal and silage. A promising and valuable approach for maximizing the utilization of RRM involves the extraction of bioactive fish protein hydrolysate (FPH). This review assesses and compares different hydrolyzation methods to produce FPH. Furthermore, the review highlights the purification strategy, nutritional compositions, and bioactive properties of FPH. Finally, it concludes by outlining the application of FPH in food products together with various safety and regulatory issues related to the commercialization of FPH as a protein ingredient in food. This review paves the way for future applications by highlighting efficient biotechnological methods for valorizing RRM into FPH and addressing safety concerns, enabling the widespread utilization of FPH as a valuable and sustainable source of protein.

Sustainable gelatin-based packaging with nanoemulsified chilli seed oil for enhancing poultry meat preservation: An eco-friendly approach

Utilizing poultry feet, a typically underutilized by-product, we extracted gelatin to fabricate environmentally friendly packaging pouches for the shelf life enhancement of fresh chicken breast cubes. The incorporation of chilli seed oil nanoemulsions, characterized by their particle sizes (61-127 nm) and zeta potential values (-18 to -28 mV), not only contributed to the pouches' structural integrity but also imparted antimicrobial properties. These pouches demonstrated reduced UV light transmittance and controlled color changes in packaged chicken breast cubes, compared to the control samples. Significantly, the pouch-packaged samples exhibited slower pH increase, reduced weight loss (16.2-20.4%), and lower TBARS values, indicative of delayed lipid oxidation and spoilage. Microbiological assessments revealed that the packaged samples effectively restrained microbial growth, staying within safety limits for E. coli and total plate counts, unlike the control samples which exceeded these thresholds. Textural analysis further showed better preservation of the meat's consistency within the pouches. This investigation not only highlights the valorization of food industry by-products in developing sustainable packaging solutions but also emphasizes the efficiency of developed packaging pouches in enhancing shelf-life of fresh poultry meat cubes, thus resonating with the contemporary needs of food processing technologies and consumer acceptance.

Valorization of broiler edible byproducts: a chicken-liver hydrolysate with hepatoprotection against binge drinking

Over 10,000 metric-ton broiler livers are produced annually in Taiwan. Concerning unpleasant odor and healthy issue, broiler livers are not attractive to consumers. Although the patented chicken-liver hydrolysates (CLHs) through pepsin digestion possess several biofunctionalities, there is no study on hepatoprotection of CLH-based formula capsule (GBHP01) against binge drinking (Whiskey, 50% Alc./Vol.). GBHP01 led to an accelerated blood-alcohol clearance in rats, as evidenced by lowering blood-alcohol increment within 0 to 4 h, increasing blood-alcohol decrement within 4 to 8 h, and smaller blood alcohol concentration areas under the curve (BAC AUC) in the 8-h period (p < 0.05). The ameliorative effects of GBHP01 against binge drinking in rats over 6 wk were attributed to accelerated alcohol metabolism by further increasing alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities while downregulating cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) protein expression, elevating antioxidant capacity, decreasing zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein decrement and serum endotoxin, and reducing inflammation related protein levels, that is, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and proinflammatory cytokines. The development of CLH supplements could not only enhance the added value of broiler livers through nutraceutical development but also offer a strategy to maximize the utilization of poultry processing residues, as shown in this study.

Valorization of Grain and Oil By-Products with Special Focus on Hemicellulose Modification.

Hemicellulose is one of the most important natural polysaccharides in nature. Hemicellulose from different sources varies in chemical composition and structure, which in turn affects the modification effects and industrial applications. Grain and oil by-products (GOBPs) are important raw materials for hemicellulose. This article reviews the modification methods of hemicellulose in GOBPs. The effects of chemical and physical modification methods on the properties of GOBP hemicellulose biomaterials are evaluated. The potential applications of modified GOBP hemicellulose are discussed, including its use in film production, hydrogel formation, three-dimensional (3D) printing materials, and adsorbents for environmental remediation. The limitations and future recommendations are also proposed to provide theoretical foundations and technical support for the efficient utilization of these by-products.

Peanut meal-derived bioactive compounds: Extraction, co-extrusion encapsulation and neuroprotection against aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease via in silico and in vivo studies

BackgroundPeanut meal (seeds waste with the red skin) contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Hypothesis: This byproduct can be used to produce nutraceutical and functional food items that may become popular. Methods: Ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to prepare peanut meal extracts at various times and with different solvents of 90 % (acetone, ethanol, methanol, and acetic acid ethyl ester). Acetone peanut meal extracting (for 20 min ) demonstrated the highest total phenolic content (83.78 mg GAE/g meal) and DPPH scavenging activity (95.83 %). Acetone peanut meal extract (PME) was analyzed by HPLC and encapsulated using sodium alginate via the co-extrusion technique. The alginate/PME microbeads were studied for their morphology and release of phenolic compounds. Results: The results of the molecular docking demonstrated a strong binding affinity, implying that the identified compounds in PME may inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Through the in vivo study, it was revealed that PME and PME microbeads demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in AlCl3-treated rats. Additionally, PME and PME microbeads reduced the acetylcholinesterase activity while elevating the levels of dopamine and serotonin compared to the AlCl3-treated rats. Conclusion: This work provided valuable contributions towards the valorization of peanut byproducts, highlighting their potential neuroprotective effect against aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease.

Valorization of agricultural byproducts – The use of mustard seed meal for pest control

Mustard seed (Brassica juncea) meals from biodiesel production can be utilized as a feedstock for sourcing pesticidal compounds that can control ubiquitous soil pests such as wireworms. In the present study, we evaluated the pesticidal activity of B. juncea seed meal on wireworms (Limonius infuscatus) to promote the valorization of B. juncea seed meal with the end goal of increasing the overall sustainability of crop production. In the laboratory soil column study, B. juncea seed meal were applied to typical agricultural soil infested with wireworms. After application, the release of the primary biopesticidal compound was monitored and correlated with the motility, mortality, and metabolomic changes of wireworms. The pesticidal effect of B. juncea seed meal on wireworms was evident by the mass change and metabolomic response consistent with the stress response. Mortality of up to 100 % of wireworms was observed when soils was treated with B. juncea seed meal and tarped. Based on the statistical analysis, the release of the primary biopesticidal compound from B. juncea seed meal correlated well with soil electrical conductivity making it a potential proxy method for field monitoring.

Valorization of Industrial and Agro By-products into a Biobased Sustainable Controlled Low Strength Material

Valorization of Industrial and Agro By-products into a Biobased Sustainable Controlled Low Strength Material

Microwave-assisted extraction, encapsulation, and bioaccessibility of carotenoids from organic tomato industry by-product

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely consumed fruit in the world. Discarded biomass has a huge potential, as tomato peel is rich in carotenoid content. This study focuses on the recovery of carotenoids from tomato industry agro-wastes, specifically peel and seeds. Initially, the conventional method was employed to analyze the sample, determining a total carotenoid content of 3.19 ± 0.23 mg β-carotene eq/g dry matter. A carotenoid profiling of the sample revealed high concentration of 5-cis-lycopene (1340.1 ± 15.6 μg all-trans-β-carotene eq/g dry matter), 9-cis lycopene (1062.7 ± 12.8 μg all-trans-β-carotene eq/g dry matter) and all-trans-β-carotene (1246.4 ± 1.7 μg all-trans-β-carotene eq/g dry matter). Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was employed as a green extraction method to optimize biomass-solvent ratio (BSR), extraction time (ET), and microwave power (MP) for achieving maximum recovery of carotenoids. A surface response methodology based on a Box-Behnken design was used. The optimized extract (BSR 1:10 g:mL, ET 60 s, and MP 283.84 W) was microencapsulated using maltodextrin (MD) combined with either gum arabic (GA) or whey protein isolate (WP) as wall materials. Freeze-drying was utilized for capsule sealing. The properties of the encapsulates were characterized, including moisture content (0.99 ± 0.04% for MD:GA and 0.80 ± 0.07% for MD:WP), water activity (0.087 ± 0.01 for MD:GA and 0.084 ± 0.01 for MD:WP), dissolution rate (140.4 1 ± 6.41 s for MD:GA and 86.49 ± 1.68 s for MD:WP), tapped density (0.48 ± 0.01 g/mL for MD:GA and 0.44 ± 0.01 g/mL for MD:WP), drying yield (90.73 ± 3.34% for MD:GA and 89.73 ± 3.47% for MD:WP), and encapsulation efficiency (68.12 ± 1.42% for MD:GA and 74.55 ± 1.62% for MD:WP). Bioaccessibility studies for encapsulated extract revealed values of 27.68% ± 0.72 and 25.10% ± 0.04 for MD:GA and MD: WP, respectively. This research highlights the potential of tomato agro-wastes as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. The implementation of MAE and microencapsulation techniques demonstrates effective strategies for their recovery and preservation obtaining the optimal conditions for the MAE (BSR 1:10 g: mL, ET 60 s, and MP 283.84 W) and for the encapsulation (MD: WP mixture). These findings contribute to the valorization of tomato industry by-products and their potential application in functional food products.

The effects of microalgae use as a biofertilizer on soil and plant before and after its anaerobic (co-)digestion with food waste

The increase in food waste generation has resulted in significant challenges for its sustainable management. Anaerobic digestion coupled with microalgae-based ponds for digestate treatment can be used as a low-cost eco-friendly technology approach. In this case, microalgal biomass harvested from the ponds may be valorized into bioenergy (biogas) and soil conditioner and/or biofertilizers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the microalgal biomass produced from a food waste digestate treatment ponds as agricultural fertilizer. For this purpose, microalgal biomass was tested before and after anaerobic digestion and co-digestion with food waste, exploring its potential for valorization. The inorganic fertilizer urea and soil with no fertilization were also used as treatments. The experimental design consisted of applying the treatments in pots cultivated with hybrid grass Brachiaria cv. Sabiá and distributed in randomized blocks in a controlled greenhouse. Microalgal biomass was mainly composed by Scenedesmus sp.. The assessed parameters showed comparable results on plant growth (i.e. number of tillers, fresh and dry matter and Chlorophyll content index) for fresh and digested microalgal biomass and inorganic fertilizer. Furthermore, it was observed that fresh microalgae provided the highest Phosphorus content in the leaf (21 %). Additionally, there were increases of 9 % in Nitrogen and 12 % in organic matter in the soil after applying digested microalgae compared to the control group without any fertilization. Finally, experimental data obtained suggests that microalgae-based biofertilizer holds the potential to replace inorganic fertilizer as a nutrient source. Moreover, it contributes to the valorization of by-products from organic waste treatment.

Remanufactured waste tire by-product valorization: Quantitative–qualitative sustainability-based assessment

Automotive tires are a major waste stream and there are currently numerous options for reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing the waste tire rubber (WTR) and other components. Some competing technologies (retreading, product repurposing, energy recovery, pyrolysis oil, waste-tire crumbing, and devulcanized rubber) are discussed here to demonstrate the broad scope of possible applications and identify the advantages/disadvantages of the processes. Based on the industrial maturity of the processes, this study performed a qualitative–quantitative fuzzy analysis of twelve alternative by-products of WTR, including 1) devulcanized or desulfurized rubber; 2) tiles, mats, and rod barriers; 3) composite materials; 4) bitumen; 5) asphalt; 6) heat energy; 7) crude oil; 8) diesel; 9) char and carbon black; 10) gasification gas; 11) activated adsorption carbon; and 12) lightweight concrete. Quantitative sustainability considerations were applied to weight the technical, economic, environmental, and social sustainability factors according to their importance, while qualitative factors were applied to weight the sustainability criteria of productivity, reliability, efficiency, waste tire size range, remanufacturing time, remanufacturing cost, ergonomics, human development, and employment potential based on insights from the published literature. Comparative literature-based statistical analysis of potential tire resources and conventional waste-tire recycling was performed. The results identified remanufacturing of WTR into devulcanized rubber sheets as the best sustainable business option with the highest sustainability index of 0.628, while lightweight concrete was the worst by-product option with a low sustainability index of 0.012. Other very-high-potential options include producing value-added rubber products and composite materials from the devulcanized rubber. These findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the field of waste-tire management and small-to-medium businesses looking to add further value to their WTR products. Furthermore, these findings could guide international research to help focus on the most sustainable use of WTR.

Valorization of Winery By-Products as Bio-Fillers for Biopolymer-Based Composites.

Grape seeds (GS), wine lees (WL), and grape pomace (GP) are common winery by-products, used as bio-fillers in this research with two distinct biopolymer matrices-poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)-to create fully bio-based composite materials. Each composite included at least 30 v% bio-filler, with a sample reaching 40 v%, as we sought to determine a composition that could be economically and environmentally effective as a substitute for a pure biopolymer matrix. The compounding process employed a twin-screw extruder followed by an injection molding procedure to fabricate the specimens. An acetylation treatment assessed the specimen's efficacy in enhancing matrix-bio-filler affinity, particularly for WL and GS. The fabricated bio-composites underwent an accurate characterization, revealing no alteration in thermal properties after compounding with bio-fillers. Moreover, hygroscopic measurements indicated increased water-affinity in bio-composites compared to neat biopolymer, most significantly with GP, which exhibited a 7-fold increase. Both tensile and dynamic mechanical tests demonstrated that bio-fillers not only preserved, but significantly enhanced, the stiffness of the neat biopolymer across all samples. In this regard, the most promising results were achieved with the PBAT and acetylated GS sample, showing a 162% relative increase in Young's modulus, and the PBS and WL sample, which exhibited the highest absolute values of Young's modulus and storage modulus, even at high temperatures. These findings underscore the scientific importance of exploring the interaction between bio-fillers derived from winery by-products and three different biopolymer matrices, showcasing their potential for sustainable material development, and advancing polymer science and bio-sourced material processing. From a practical standpoint, the study highlighted the tangible benefits of using by-product bio-fillers, including cost savings, waste reduction, and environmental advantages, thus paving the way for greener and more economically viable material production practices.

Valorization of Wine Lees: Assessment of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Wine Lees Extract and Incorporation in Chitosan Films

Wine lees, as one of the main by-products of winery wastes, is considered a rich source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. Recovery of such bioactive compounds would amplify the valorization of winery by-products, as well as promote their use in cosmetics and health applications. Towards this aim, the objective of this work is the recovery of phenolic compounds from wine lees by ultrasound-assisted extraction. The effect of extraction time, and ethanol content on the extraction yield of total phenolics was investigated, while the phenolic profile of the extract was monitored by GC-MS. Under the optimized conditions, the total phenolic content was calculated at 302.6 mg gallic acid equivalents g− 1 dry extract; the dry extract was investigated for its biological activities, exhibiting excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the extract was found to be a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase, elastase, collagenase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase with IC50 values of 53.3, 83.5, 82.7, 19.0, and 31.3 µg mL− 1, respectively. Finally, the wine lees dry extract was incorporated into chitosan films, reinforcing the properties of the films, and providing them with excellent antioxidant activity. The results support that wine lees extract exhibits high antioxidant activity and can be used as a highly efficient inhibitor of enzymes with pharmaceutical and health interest. Moreover, the chitosan film enriched with wine lees extract is a promising material with high antioxidant potential and can lead to the development of novel food packaging films in the food industry.Graphical

Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) By-Products in Food Applications: Functional and Biological Properties.

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus L.) is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean area and Italy is one of the largest producers. A great issue is represented by its high amount of by-product, mainly consisting of external bracts and stems, but also of residual leaves, stalks, roots, and seeds. Artichoke by-products are rich in nutrients (carbohydrates and proteins) and bioactive compounds (polyphenols and terpenes) and represent potential ingredients for foodstuffs, functional foods, and food supplements, due to their functional and biological properties. In fact, artichoke by-products' components exhibit many beneficial effects, such as dyspeptic, prebiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiglycative, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and hypolipidemic properties. Therefore, they can be considered potential food ingredients useful in reducing the risk of developing metabolic and age-related disorders. This work summarizes the economic and environmental impact of the recovery and valorization of artichoke by-products, focusing on rheological, physical, and biological properties of the different components present in each by-product and their different food applications.

Biofortification and Valorization of Celery byproducts Using Selenium and PGPB under Reduced Nitrogen Regimes.

Due to climate change and exacerbated population growth, the search for new sustainable strategies that allow for greater food productivity and that provide greater nutritional quality has become imperative. One strategy for addressing this problem is the combined use of fertilization with a reduced dose of nitrogen and biostimulants. Celery processing produces a large amount of waste with its concomitant pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to address the valorization of its byproducts. Our results revealed reductions in the biomass, Na, P, Mn, B, sugars, and proteins in the byproducts and increased lipid peroxidation, Fe (all celery parts), and K (byproducts) when the N supplied was reduced. Plants inoculated with Azotobacter salinestris obtained a greater biomass, a higher accumulation of K (byproducts), a build-up of sugars and proteins, reduced concentrations of P, Cu, Mn, B, Fe (petioles), and Zn (byproducts), and reduced lipid peroxidation. The application of Se at 8 μM reinforced the beneficial effect obtained after inoculation with Azotobacter salinestris. In accordance with our results, edible celery parts are recommended as an essential ingredient in the daily diet. Furthermore, the valorization of celery byproducts with health-promoting purposes should be considered.

Ultrasound-Assisted Maillard Conjugation of Yeast Protein Hydrolysate with Polysaccharides for Encapsulating the Anthocyanins from Aronia.

Valorisation of food by-products, like spent brewer's yeast and fruit pomaces, represents an important strategy for contributing to sustainable food production. The aims of this study were to obtain Maillard conjugates based on spent yeast protein hydrolysate (SYH) with dextran (D) or maltodextrin (MD) by means of ultrasound treatment and to use them for developing encapsulation systems for the anthocyanins from aronia pomace. The ultrasound-assisted Maillard conjugation promoted the increase of antioxidant activity by about 50% compared to conventional heating and SYH, and was not dependent on the polysaccharide type. The ability of the conjugates to act as wall material for encapsulating various biologically active compounds was tested via a freeze-drying method. The retention efficiency ranged between 58.25 ± 0.38%-65.25 ± 2.21%, while encapsulation efficiency varied from 67.09 ± 2.26% to 88.72 ± 0.33%, indicating the strong effect of the carrier material used for encapsulation. The addition of the hydrolysed yeast cell wall played a positive effect on the encapsulation efficiency of anthocyanins when used in combination with the SYH:MD conjugates. On the other hand, the stability of anthocyanins during storage, as well as their bioavailability during gastrointestinal digestion, were higher when using the SYH:D conjugate. The study showed that hydrolysis combined with the ultrasound-assisted Maillard reaction has a great potential for the valorisation of spent brewer's yeast as delivery material for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds.

Valorization of local agricultural by-products as nutritional substrates for Tenebrio molitor larvae: A sustainable approach to alternative protein production

In pursuit of sustainable protein sources, the agricultural sector and emerging edible insect industry intersect in the valorization of agricultural by-products. Establishing a mutually beneficial relationship involves utilizing agricultural by-products as feeding substrates for insect farming, potentially enhancing the sustainability of both sectors. In the present study, by-products from beer, rice, oat, maize, sunflower, and lucerne, as well as mill residues and spent mushroom substrate from the regions of Thessaly and Central Macedonia (Greece) were investigated as nutritional sources for the larvae of the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Results show that the suitability of the tested by-products for rearing T. molitor larvae varies greatly, with larvae surviving better in some by-products than in others. The highest survival rate and the highest weight of larvae were recorded for larvae reared on rice bran, spent grains, and oat by-products. Similarly, high feed conversion and growth rate were observed when the larvae were fed with rice bran and spent grains. Thus, this research promotes cost-effective and sustainable T. molitor rearing, aligning with circular economy principles.

Navigating the nitrogen challenge: Strategies for wastewater management and sustainable resource recovery

Water scarcity and the impact of nitrogen pollution from wastewater have emerged as pressing global concerns. This study delved into the hazards posed by nitrogen pollution, focusing on its sources, composition, and detrimental effects on both the environment and the agricultural sector. The primary research methodology involved a comparative analysis of various nitrogen control and recovery technologies, highlighting the technical effects and future application prospects of ammonia vapor stripping and adsorption nitrogen recovery. Findings revealed that while ammonia vapor stripping offers operational simplicity, it is energy-intensive and requires careful byproduct management. In contrast, adsorption nitrogen recovery provides a more energy-efficient method, though challenges like selectivity in the presence of contaminants persist. The study concludes by suggesting an integrated approach that combines both methods, optimized based on wastewater characteristics, and underscores the importance of byproduct valorization and the development of selective adsorbents. The ultimate goal is to ensure sustainable environmental solutions while maximizing resource optimization.