Paper details

Title:

Açaí Waste Valorization via Mannose and Polyphenols Production: Techno-economic and Environmental Assessment

Author(s):

Thimoteo Azevedo Jorge, F., Sant'Ana da Silva, A., Victor Brigagão, G.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Around 1.4 million tons of açaí seeds are generated annually as a residue from the açaí pulp production in the Brazilian Amazonian region, resulting in a critical environmental problem. This work evaluates the techno-economic viability and environmental impacts of four biomass processing alternatives for açaí seeds monetization: complete combustion for power generation, integrated production of polyphenols and electricity, and co-production of mannose, polyphenols, and electricity by two different routes. The mannose-producing biorefineries displayed higher profitability and resilience to products prices variations, with the single-step oxalic acid hydrolysis route exhibiting a faster payback time of 2.7 years and a higher internal rate of return of 34.8%. This alternative further evinces lower aquatic toxicity and acidification potentials, but greenhouse gas emissions are slightly higher than in the mannose production route by sulfuric acid and enzymatic hydrolysis. The biorefinery is shown as a viable and sustainable waste valorization pathway for açaí seeds, which could help developing circular bioeconomy in the Amazon region.

Keywords:

biorefinery, economic analysis, environmental impact, polyphenols, açaí seed, mannose

Topic:

Biomass, Bio-Based Products and Bioenergy Integration

Subtopic:

Biomass use in biorefineries

Event:

31st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

3CV.6.15

Pages:

540 - 543

ISBN:

978-88-89407-23-3

Paper DOI:

10.5071/31stEUBCE2023-3CV.6.15

Price:

FREE