Fruit Waste Research Articles

Unravelling the role of Black Soldier Fly Frass (BSFF) in nutrient enrichment and growth promotion of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The decomposition of organic waste by Black Soldier Fly (BSF) plays a potential role in plant growth promotion and soil nutrient enrichment. This study investigated the effect of different compost from food waste, vegetable & fruit waste, cow manure, pig manure, poultry manure, TNPL (Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Limited) bio sludge and combinations of these materials induced varied growth promotion on groundnut. A pot culture experiment evaluated shoot length, root length, germination percentage, plant biomass and vigour index. The best results were observed in the treatment combining hostel food waste and vegetable waste (50 %) with poultry manure (50 %) (T7), showing a shoot length of 20.34 cm, vigour index of 3629, plant biomass of 24.3 g, and germination percentage of 93.33%. Other treatments, such as food waste (T1) and vegetable and fruit waste (T2), showed vigour indices of 2561.6 and 2692.9, respectively, while the untreated control had the lowest vigour index of 900.4. Nutrient analysis of T7 compost revealed high levels of nitrogen (462 kg/ha), phosphorus (375 kg/ha), potassium (320 kg/ha) and micronutrients like iron (29.04 ppm) and zinc (7.58 ppm). GC-MS analysis identified growth-promoting compounds like Cyclohexanol (64.3 %), Glycerol (3.9 %) and Dibutyl phthalate (1.49 %). Metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA) highlighted pathways like fatty acid biosynthesis and glycerolipid metabolism, which support root development and stress tolerance. The results indicated that BSF compost, especially from food and vegetable waste with poultry manure, significantly enhances soil fertility and plant growth, providing a sustainable solution for organic waste management.

Preliminary studies into polypropylene composites reinforced with fruit waste biomass: a choice towards sustainability

Abstract The development of polypropylene (PP) composites filled with a biomass from fruit waste, citrus limetta peel (CLP) fillers is explored in the current study. A polymer matrix consisting of neat polypropylene was filled with 10, 20, and 30% weight percentage (w/w) of CLP. The composite specimens were produced by extrusion followed by injection moulding. In addition to thermal and morphological evaluations, the mechanical properties are determined, including tensile and flexural (both strength and modulus). The primary results demonstrate that, for a 10 weight percent filler content, the inclusion of CLP filler raised the tensile and flexural modulus of the neat PP composites by 20.23% and 14.33%, respectively. All of the composites were found to be thermally stable up to 220 °C through thermal investigation. The burning rate increased with the incorporation of fillers whereas, the dripping effect gets reduced. Filler agglomeration, filler pull out, and poor adherence with increased CLP filler content were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The developed composites have got tremendous potential to be utilized in non-structural applications. The consequences of plastic burden on the environment can also be reduced.

Exploring fruit waste macromolecules and their derivatives to produce building blocks and materials

Exploring fruit waste macromolecules and their derivatives to produce building blocks and materials

Metagenomic insights into microbial mechanism of pH shifts enhancing short-chain carboxylic acid production from fruit waste anaerobic fermentation

Short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) production from waste-streams is attractive due to the increasing market demand and wide range of applications. This study investigated the influence of pH on the performance of anaerobic SCCA-producing reactors treating fruit waste and employed metagenomics to unveil the shifts and metabolic pathways of functional acidogens. Results showed that high SCCA concentrations of 45.0–65.8 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L were maintained at each pH. The maximum concentrations of SCCAs obtained at pH 8 (63.8 g COD/L) under alkaline conditions and at pH 5 (65.8 g COD/L) under acidic conditions were similar, yet there was a pronounced effect of pH on SCCA distribution as acetate and butyrate were the primary products at pH 6, while lactate was dominant at pH 8–10 and at pH 5–4. Key populations involved in acidogenesis at different pHs included Bifidobacterium (acetate fermenter at pH 6–7), Corynebacterium (acetate and lactate fermenter at pH 8–10), Acidipropionibacterium (propionate fermenter at pH 7–10), Clostridium (acetate, propionate, and butyrate fermenter at pH 6–5), and Lactobacillus (lactate fermenter at pH 5). This study enhances our understanding of the underlying microbial mechanism governing SCCA production from fruit waste with pH regulation, and provides guidance for the development of production processes for waste-based metabolites useful for the chemical industry.

Win-win upcycling strategy for red araçá fruit waste: Process intensification and application of food-grade cyanidin-rich antioxidants

Win-win upcycling strategy for red araçá fruit waste: Process intensification and application of food-grade cyanidin-rich antioxidants

Physicochemical characteristics of Inceptisol in highland Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Tiganderket District, Karo Regency after application of snake fruit waste compost

Physicochemical characteristics of Inceptisol in highland Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Tiganderket District, Karo Regency after application of snake fruit waste compost

Determination of pectin from Orange, Pomegranate, Lemon and Banana fruits

In this study, the amount of pectin was determined from the peels of waste orange, pomegranate, lemon and banana fruits consumed especially in winter months. The pectin in these waste fruit peels was extracted using 100 mL of 50% ethyl alcohol-water mixture. HPLC method was used for pectin analysis. Calibration graph was drawn according to known pectin concentrations. Validation values of the method were measured. Extracted fruit peel samples were analyzed for pectin amounts by HPLC using the appropriate procedure.

Analysis of Earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) Growth Due to the Addition of Fruit Waste Pulp to Feed

Earthworms are a group of animals that live in soil and have a segmented body, bilaterally symmetrical, and covered by a transparent cuticle, which protects from physical and chemical disturbances. One of the factors that influences the growth of earthworms is the availability of food substances in the media where they live. Research on the analysis of the increase in the number and total weight of earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) due to the provision of fruit waste in feed has been carried out in 2023. This research aims to analyse the increase in the number and total weight of earthworms due to the application of fruit waste to the media where earthworms live. Research data was analysed using variance analysis. In this study, the results were obtained: (1) fruit waste pulp (papaya and banana) added to feed had a significant effect on increasing the number of earthworms, (2) fruit waste pulp added to the feed can increase the total weight of earthworms, (3) Giving 2 liters of fruit waste to the feed results in a higher number and total weight of earthworms than other levels of fruit waste pulp.

Application of Local Microorganisms in the Composting Process using the Biopori Absorption Hole Method on the Content of Macro and Micronutrients

Organic waste can be used to make compost. One method of composting is by using Biopore Absorption Holes. Processing organic waste into compost can be done by adding local microorganisms (MOL) as bioactivators with varying MOL doses (0,25,50,175,100,125) % for every 5kg of food waste and vegetable waste categories. Composting process uses biopori absorption hole method with a depth of 80cm and diameter of 6 inches. MOL can be made from vegetable or fruit waste because the materials used are simple and easy to obtain. In the composting process, addition of MOL can increase the content of macro and micro nutrients. This research aims to determine the effect of reducing volume of compost and analyze the content of C, N, P, K, Fe, and Zn, from the composting process with different MOL doses and types of waste that have been determined. The research results showed that C, P, Fe and Zn tests had met the quality standards, while N and K tests had not met the quality standards. It can be concluded that the most effective activator dose is 25ml/L in food waste category because the compost produced meets the quality standards of SNI 19-7030-2004 concerning Compost Specifications from Organic Waste.

Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Pattikala Fruit Waste (Etlingera elatior)

Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Pattikala Fruit Waste (Etlingera elatior)

Effects of thermal pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion characteristics of fruit waste liquids.

Fruit waste is one of the main components of municipal waste. To study its potential and characteristics in anaerobic digestion, this study took fruit waste and its waste liquid as raw materials, investigate the influence of thermal pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion characteristics under 35 ± 17 °C. The anaerobic digestion materials were fruit waste liquid (group A1), fruit waste liquid after thermal pretreatment (group A2), fruit slurry (group A3), and the material of A2 and A3 mixed with municipal sludge (groups A4 and A5) has also been involved. The results showed that the thermal pretreatment is in favor of increasing the total gas production rate, which the waste liquid after thermal pretreatment (A2) was the highest one with 767.09 mL/gVS which 6.51% higher than A1; while it has not obviously influence on the total hydrogen production rate of waste liquid; the addition of municipal sludge increased the total methane production rate of fruit waste or its liquid. After thermal pretreatment, the pH of fruit waste was 0.37 lower than initial pH; VFAs and SCOD content were both increased, which are benefit for anaerobic digestion. In addition, the experimental data were verified by the modified Gompertz model.

Biorefinery approaches for converting fruit and vegetable waste into sustainable products

Biorefinery approaches for converting fruit and vegetable waste into sustainable products

Sono-photo-Fenton action is improved by the addition of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener (yellow passion fruit).

The improvement of the sono-photo-Fenton process at nearby neutral pH (~ 6.2) and high iron concentration (5mg L-1) by the addition of the juice of Passiflora edulis f.flavicarpa Degener (yellow passion fruit) on the degradation of imipenem in water is reported for the first time. Considering that the combination of sonochemistry with photo-Fenton takes advantage of the in situ sonogeneration of H2O2, the effects of frequency and acoustic power for the H2O2 accumulation were established initially. The sonication at 578kHz and 23.8 W favored the H2O2 generation. Using such frequency and power, the antibiotic was synergistically degraded by the sono-photo-Fenton system in distilled water, leading to ~ 90% removal at 120min of treatment. An atomic charge analysis showed that thioether, β-lactam ring, and carboxylic acid moieties on the imipenem structure were very prone to interactions with the HO• generated in the sono-photo-Fenton process. Indeed, the primary transformation products (TPs) came from the oxidation of the thioether, the opening of the β-lactam ring, and decarboxylations. Such TPs had a lower probability than imipenem to be active against bacteria. Besides, the addition of small amounts (2.5-10 µL) of the yellow passion fruit juice to the sono-photo-Fenton system significantly improved the pharmaceutical elimination. However, a juice excess (e.g., 100 µL) caused a detrimental effect due to competing effects by radicals. The juice of the yellow passion fruit induced analogous effects to citric acid (a commercial complexing agent) on the sono-photo-Fenton process. Indeed, the degradation of imipenem in simulated hospital wastewater by sono-photo-Fenton was improved by the yellow passion fruit juice (~ 38% at 60min), and it was similar to that with citric acid (~ 39% of removal at 60min). Thus, the commercial reagent can be replaced by a natural and low-cost complexing agent (e.g., yellow passion fruit juice or fruit wastes containing citric acid), as an enhancer of the sono-photo-Fenton process carried out at near-neutral pH and high iron concentration for degrading imipenem in water.

Investigating the Influence of Organic Loading Rate, Temperature and Stirring Speed on Biogas Production Using Agricultural Waste in South Africa

Biogas production offers an alternate method for managing agricultural waste and contributes to sustainable renewable energy generation. Anaerobic digestion (AD) enables the transformation of organic waste, including agricultural substrates, into biogas, mostly consisting of methane, carbon dioxide, and trace gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. The objective of this study was to employ a 30 L semi-continuous stirred tank reactor to evaluate the effects of organic loading rate, temperature, and speed of stirring on biogas production. The reactor was inoculated with 8.6 L and filled with 11.4 L of a mixed substrate including cattle manure, potato waste, potato starch waste, fruit waste, and expired dry dog food. The reactor was evaluated with organic loading rates (OLRs) of 11.2, 12.2, and 13.2 g VS/L d, and stirring speeds of 25.5, 35.5, and 45.5 rpm. The results indicated that the maximum yield was 12.2 g VS/L d at 45.5 rpm, and in thermophilic conditions, the biogas yield surpassed that of mesophilic conditions, measuring 105,860 NmL/g VS compared to 69,800 NmL/g VS. This study emphasises the significance of optimising operational parameters to improve biogas output, thereby contributing to sustainable energy resources and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Modeling of the biomethane production from ultrasonic pretreated fruit and vegetable waste via anaerobic digestion

The global dependency on the depleted fossil fuels has led to the quest for acquiring alternative energy sources. Different types of waste material are generated at a high rate and tapping into their use for greener, alternative energy production is an option. The mesophilic anaerobic co-digestion of fruit and vegetable waste and wastewater treatment plant sewage sludge experiments were conducted using ultrasonic pretreated substrates. Sonication exposure times from 0 to 45 min were selected for the experiments. An automatic methane potential test system (BMP) was used to determine the production rate of biomethane of the fruit and vegetables waste containing 60% fruit and 40% vegetables. The highest cumulative methane production of 238 mL g−1 VS was achieved at sonication time exposure of 45 min. It was observed that an increase in ultrasonic sonication exposure time, improved methane yield. The resulting experimental data was fitted with the modified Gompertz, co-digestion modified Gompertz, original Richards, modified Richards and co-digestion modified Richards models. IBM SPSS Statistics software was used for curve fitting and the estimation of the models’ kinetic parameters. The modified Gompertz and Richards models showed higher goodness fit, both with R 2 of 0.93 and modified Richards models did not produce a good fit for the data, with R 2 of 0.7. The developed co-digestion models considered a combination of substrates that were easily digested as well as complex substrates that required multiple steps of digestion. The results show that the co-digestion modified Gompertz model had a goodness of fit of 0.98. Co-digestion modified Richard’s model perfectly fit the experimental data, with R 2 of 1. Both the co-digestion modified models are recommended due to their fitting performance. Fruit and vegetable waste comprise multiple substrates including simple sugars that digest readily and much more complex cellulose substrates that require more steps to digest and requiring the second step of digestion after undergoing hydrolysis. Both models took that into account. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the Gompertz and Richards model in the co-digestion of fruit and vegetables waste with sludge, as well as to develop co-digestion models for the substrates at hand.

Adding Mandarin Peel Waste to a Biodegradable Polymeric Matrix: Reinforcement or Degradation Effect?

In the current context, the use of fillers derived from fruit and vegetable waste is a crucial approach to mitigate waste and promote sustainable resource use, thus contributing to product life cycle completion and the achievement of sustainability goals. This study focuses on incorporating an endemic waste hitherto considered irrelevant within a biodegradable matrix. The resulting biocomposites were carefully characterized mechanically, rheologically, and morphologically to identify the connections between processability, structure, and properties. The results show that the presence of the filler results in an increase in the stiffness of the material (up to 27% in elastic modulus) accompanied by a decrease in tensile strength (approximately 50%) and elongation at break, which is on average about 7% at the highest filler content. This behavior was attributed to poor interfacial adhesion and the influence of a degradation process caused by the presence of citric acid and/or impurities in the filler.

Application of Natural Antioxidants from Fruits Waste for Improving Egg Quality Characteristics

Fruit waste poses a significant global challenge, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reporting that about 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, contributing to environmental and economic challenges. The major fruit-producing countries (United States, China, India, and Brazil) are responsible for a large portion of this waste. Fruit waste contains different bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids, which are, in large part, underutilized regardless of their antioxidant properties. These compounds can play an important function in poultry nutrition, offering natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Reintegrating fruit waste into poultry diets might have potent benefits on the nutritional quality and shelf life of eggs. Some studies reported that bioactive compounds from fruit waste improve the oxidative stability of eggs and the nutritional content, potentially extending shelf life during storage. Additionally, antioxidant compounds from fruit waste have been shown to improve yolk coloration and some egg quality parameters while reducing reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid oxidation. Their inclusion in poultry diets can lower feed costs, promote animal welfare, and reduce the environmental impact of fruit waste. This review highlights some key fruit wastes, such as citrus, apple, grape, rosehip, sea buckthorn, and banana, among others, which are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds beneficial for poultry nutrition. This strategy aligns with FAO sustainability goals, addressing both food waste and animal nutrition challenges. Future studies should focus on optimizing the inclusion rates of these natural antioxidants in poultry diets to maximize their benefits.

Peanut Hull lignin/ecamsule·2Na hollow nanoparticles (P/E LNPs): A natural light-coloured, broad-spectrum, highly antioxidant, and safe lignin-based sunscreen

Lignin represents a potentially significant natural sunscreen alternative due to its good UV-absorbing ability, but its poor UVA absorption and dark colour are still obstacles. Numerous methods have been developed to whiten the colour of lignin, mainly including aromatic ring interruption and hydroxyl group blocking. However, these complicated procedures would weaken the UV-blocking and radical scavenging abilities. Here, we develop a strategy for the valorization of lignin in sunscreen to overcome their drawbacks by the in situ self-assembly of the natural light-coloured peanut hull lignin with the commercially available UV-protectant Ecamsule·2Na to obtain peanut hull lignin/Ecamsule·2Na hollow nanoparticles (P/E LNPs). The results show that the sun protection factor (SPF) value increased from 20 to 27, and the antioxidant capacity increased exponentially with a scavenging rate of up to 82 % at the extremely low dosage up to 0.1 mg/L of P/E LNPs. In addition, their good biocompatibility and safety were further confirmed by in vitro cytotoxicity analysis. In summary, we have successfully prepared a safe, broad-spectrum, light-coloured, and highly antioxidant, peanut hull lignin-based sunscreen that avoids any complicated chemical modifications to meet the commercial sunscreen requirement and also provides a new solution for the valorization of lignin from the vast amount of waste fruit hulls.

Structural Characterization and Bioactive Compound Evaluation of Fruit and Vegetable Waste for Potential Animal Feed Applications

Agricultural waste from the fruit and vegetable industry is used as an alternative source of animal feed, but detailed investigations are required. The aim of this work was to conduct a physico-chemical characterization, through analytical techniques, of fruit and vegetable wastes such as those of golden apples, red apples, carrots, celery, beetroots, and red potato peels. The bioactive compounds in the samples indicated a high carbohydrate content of 50.38 g/100 g in golden apples and 59.38 mg/100 g of organic acids in celery. In addition, the total phenolic content (TPC, mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight) varied between 3.72 in celery and 15.51 in beetroots. The antioxidant capacity values were significant. A thermal analysis showed thermal stability and weight loss, underscoring the composition of the solid samples. An infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed C-H, O-H, C=O, and N-H functional groups in non-starchy carbohydrates, organic acids, and proteins. Microscopic techniques revealed the microstructure, particle size, and semicrystalline profile of the samples. The ultrastructure (determined via atomic force microscopy (AFM)) of celery consisted of a smooth and uniform surface with a lignin and cellulose texture. These results highlight the importance of fruit and vegetable waste as an alternative source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds for animal feed.

Drivers of misshapen fruit and vegetable waste and reduction solutions: A bibliometric analysis and a rapid review

Drivers of misshapen fruit and vegetable waste and reduction solutions: A bibliometric analysis and a rapid review