The type of mobile integrated biorefineries developed in DIVAGRI are Small-Scale Residue Utilization Pathways (SSRUP) for High-Value Products.
The Small-Scale Residue Utilization Pathways for High-Value Products are a set of methods that transform organic waste into valuable products. These pathways can be defined as biorefineries when they integrate the conversion processes into a single facility. Similar to traditional refineries, biorefineries process organic waste materials instead of crude oil.
The aim is to extract maximum value from these materials, minimizing waste and maximizing productivity. These small-scale pathways are designed to be cost-effective and adaptable, suitable for various environments, including rural and remote areas.
They can produce a range of high-value products such as biofuels, fertilizers, animal feeds, and non-synthetic fertiliser. By utilizing waste materials and turning them into valuable products, these biorefineries contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. They help reduce waste, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and can provide new income sources for farmers and other operators.
In DIVAGRI, the SSRUP offer multiple procedures, providing a range of options adaptable to the needs and capabilities of diverse sites and residuals. Through fermentation, distillation, extraction, and rearing, these mobile units provide small-scale, low-tech solutions that are easy to implement with little effort and expenditure.
In a circular approach, residues and CO2 produced through the biorefinery are re-used in other DIVAGRI technologies. For valuable essential oils and extracts, plant parts from ethnobotanical intercropping and multifunctional intercropping are processed and used as bio-insecticides. The unvalorized or spent feedstock (lingo-cellulosic material from cuttings and bush encroachment) is used as substrate for production of edible protein-rich mushrooms, and mycelium composites.
Lacto-fermentation is conducted to valorize and make the feed more digestible as well as preserving perishable mushrooms and providing a shelf-stable food product.Soaking extraction and distillation give way to new fragrances, colorants, food additives, and natural insect repellents for direct use on farms or additional products on the local market. Insect rearing converts food wastes into chicken and aquafarm feed, providing a sustainable option for fishmeal. Spent mushroom substrate and frass from insect farming is applied as a soil amendment and as fertilizer.
References
BSFL/Insect breeding
- Ravi, H.K., Degrou, A., Costil, J., Trespeuch, C., Chemat, F. and Vian, M.A., 2020. Larvae mediated valorization of industrial, agriculture and food wastes: Biorefinery concept through bioconversion, processes, procedures, and products. Processes, 8(7), p
- Siddiqui, S.A., Ristow, B., Rahayu, T., Putra, N.S., Yuwono, N.W., Mategeko, B., Smetana, S., Saki, M., Nawaz, A. and Nagdalian, A., 2022. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and their affinity for organic waste processing. Waste Management, 140, pp.1-13.
- Tanga, C.M., Egonyu, J.P., Beesigamukama, D., Niassy, S., Emily, K., Magara, H.J., Omuse, E.R., Subramanian, S. and Ekesi, S., 2021. Edible insect farming as an emerging and profitable enterprise in East Africa. Current opinion in insect science, 48, pp.6
Mushroom cultivation
- Jarial, R.S., Jarial, K. and Bhatia, J.N., 2024. Comprehensive review on oyster mushroom species (Agaricomycetes): Morphology, nutrition, cultivation and future aspects. Heliyon.
- Atila, F. and Cetin, M., 2024. Valorization of liquid waste generated from biogas production as supplemental material in shiitake mushroom cultivation. Scientia Horticulturae, 325, p.112663.
Essential Oil extraction
- Radwan, M.N., Morad, M.M., Ali, M.M. and Wasfy, K.I., 2020. A solar steam distillation system for extracting lavender volatile oil. Energy Reports, 6, pp.3080-3087.
- Senthilkumar, A., Thangamani, A., Karthishwaran, K. and Cheruth, A.J., 2020. Essential oil from the seeds of Moringa peregrina: Chemical composition and antioxidant potential. South African Journal of Botany, 129, pp.100-105.
- Sulhath, T.A., Visakh, N.U., Pathrose, B. and George, S.B., 2024. Investigating the insecticidal properties of essential oils extracted from wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica salisb) leaves waste against three key stored product pests. Sustainable Chemistr
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