Waste management and bioenergy recovery from açaí processing in the Brazilian Amazonian region: a perspective for a circular economy

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the Brazilian production of açaí, focusing on its waste generation and addressing mass and energy balances arising from its cultivation, extraction, processing, and waste disposal. A new technological route for açaíʼs waste management was introduced for bioenergy recovery based on the circular economy concept. In 2018, Brazil produced 1.7 million tons of açaí fruit for an income of 1.07 billion USD, and the associated waste generation (seeds) was estimated at 85%. Due to the high production of waste, an innovative approach was developed for a system boundary (conceptual line that divides the system), including the management of solid and liquid wastes through anaerobic digestion (AD). The results showed that, from 1 ton of açaí fruit fed into the facility for processing, 1.2 ton of solid waste and wastewater was generated. This waste was submitted to AD and produced 2.77 m3 of biogas, with a methane composition of 50%. The complete industrial process demands 25 kWh per ton of frozen pulp. The local energy produced by the biogas burning could be recycled and used by the process, establishing a circular energy economy for this sector. With the adoption of AD waste management, about 61% of the external electricity requirement for the açaí fruit processing can be replaced from the biogas produced. The adoption of this technology can be contribute to decarbonization. Furthermore, the implementation of AD could support the transition to a circular economy, with environmental, social, and economic benefits for local and regional sustainable development. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

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