CASE STUDY II ANALYSIS
Article : Process of fruit peel waste biorefinery: a case study of citrus waste
biorefinery, its environmental impacts, and recommendations
By Saurabh N. Joglekar & Pranav D. Pathak & Sachin A. Mandavgane & Bhaskar D.
Kulkarni
Team members :
Souane Malak, Abdellah Wissem, Oumouri Karima, Trash Hanane, and Oussahla Zahra
1. INTRODUCTION
This article describes how citrus peel waste, a byproduct of the food industry rich in
cellulose, pectin, and phenolic compounds, can be converted into value-added
products like ethanol, limonene, and methane through a biorefinery process. The key
processes involved are acid hydrolysis, fermentation, and anaerobic digestion.
However, these steps present environmental challenges, particularly due to emissions
and high energy consumption, especially during hydrolysis, flashing, and distillation.
The study, using a life cycle assessment (LCA), reveals a significant global warming
potential (GWP) of 937.3 kg CO2 per 2,500 kg of processed citrus waste. Advanced
technologies, like microwave-assisted extraction, are proposed to reduce energy
consumption and environmental burden. However, indirect emissions from auxiliary
units still pose challenges, highlighting the need for further optimization. Despite these
hurdles, the biorefinery offers a promising approach for waste valorization and the
sustainable management of citrus peel waste.
2. Step by step analysis:
• Objective and problem definition :
The core objective of the citrus waste biorefinery process is to sustainably convert
citrus byproducts and waste into valuable products, such as biofuels, chemicals, and
biomaterials, while minimising environmental impacts. This process is designed to
address several key environmental challenges:
1. Global Warming Potential (GWP): By converting citrus waste into biofuels and
bioproducts, the process reduces dependence on fossil fuels, thereby lowering
greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Using biomass
feedstock helps in the sequestration of carbon, making it a more climate-friendly
alternative.
2. Acidification Potential (AP): Citrus waste biorefineries aim to reduce emissions of
sulfur and nitrogen compounds that lead to acid rain. By using renewable biomass
instead of conventional chemical processes, the production of acidic emissions like
sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) is minimized.
3. Eutrophication Potential (EP): The process also mitigates the release of nutrients
such as nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies, which could otherwise contribute
to nutrient pollution and algal blooms. Waste management strategies inherent in
biorefineries focus on recycling nutrients within the system, reducing the risk of
eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems.
In essence, citrus waste biorefineries are designed to turn waste into a resource while
significantly reducing environmental impacts associated with traditional industrial
processes.
• Background/context :
Citrus waste valorization refers to the process of converting the byproducts of citrus
fruit processing, particularly the peel, pulp, and seeds, into valuable products such as
biofuels, biochemicals, and biopolymers. Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and
grapefruits, are widely produced globally, leading to the generation of millions of tons
of waste annually. Citrus peel constitutes the majority of this waste, representing up to
50% of the total fruit mass.
Importance of Managing Fruit Peel Waste:
1. High Organic Content: Citrus peels are rich in sugars, pectin, essential oils, and
flavonoids, making them highly valuable feedstocks for producing biofuels, bio-based
chemicals, and other high-value products. When valorized through biorefineries,
these components can be utilized for the creation of eco-friendly materials and
energy sources.
2. Nutritional and Medicinal Potential: Citrus peels contain bioactive compounds
with
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These compounds can
be extracted and used in food supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, further
enhancing the economic value of citrus waste valorization.
Environmental Impact of Improper Disposal:
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: When disposed of improperly, such as through
landfill
or open dumping, citrus peel waste decomposes anaerobically, releasing methane, a
potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change. Methane
emissions exacerbate the Global Warming Potential (GWP).
2. Soil and Water Pollution: The high acidity and organic load of citrus waste can
cause leachate, which contaminates surrounding soils and water bodies, contributing
to Eutrophication Potential (EP). This nutrient pollution can lead to algal blooms
and oxygen depletion in aquatic ecosystems, harming marine life.
3. Acidification and Odor: The decomposition of citrus waste generates acidic
byproducts, such as sulfuric acid, which can contribute to soil and air acidification.
Additionally, the breakdown of organic material leads to the release of unpleasant
odors and harmful gases, increasing the Acidification Potential (AP) in nearby
environments.
4. Resource Wastage: Improper disposal of citrus waste represents a loss of potential
economic value, as the organic components in the peel could be harnessed for the
production of bioenergy, fertilizers, and other bioproducts. By adopting citrus waste
valorization techniques, industries can not only mitigate the negative environmental
impacts associated with improper waste disposal but also unlock economic benefits
through sustainable resource management.
• Methodology :
To break down the methodology used in the case study, particularly the application of
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts, the following stages
are focused upon: hydrolysis, fermentation, anaerobic digestion, and distillation.
1. Hydrolysis and Flashing:
Process: In this stage, citrus waste is mixed with water, steam, and sulfuric acid in
an autoclave to convert non-reducing sugars into reducing sugars. This hydrolysate is
then flashed to separate limonene, an essential oil, which is later condensed and
collected.
Environmental Impact: Hydrolysis significantly contributes to the overall
environmental impact, particularly 60% of the acidification potential (AP) and
eutrophication potential (EP). The use of steam obtained from fossil fuels increases
greenhouse gas emissions, making this one of the more environmentally taxing
processes.
2. Filtration:
Process: After hydrolysis, the liquid and solid parts of the hydrolysate are separated.
The solids go to anaerobic digestion, while the liquid is fermented.
Environmental Impact: The impact of this stage is lower compared to others,
contributing minimally to AP, EP, and GWP.
3. Fermentation and Distillation:
Process: The liquid hydrolysate from the previous step is fermented using
Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce ethanol. The distillation process purifies
ethanol, leaving behind stillage, which is sent for anaerobic digestion. This stage
requires significant amounts of steam and electricity.
Environmental Impact: Fermentation and distillation contribute 37% of the Global
Warming Potential (GWP) due to energy consumption from steam and electricity
production. They also account for 77% of the Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
4. Anaerobic Digestion:
Process: The solid residues from filtration and stillage are combined and subjected
to anaerobic digestion to produce methane and carbon dioxide. The methane can be
used as a biofuel, reducing the need for external energy sources.
Environmental Impact: Anaerobic digestion accounts for the largest biogenic CO₂
emissions, contributing to CO₂ equivalent emissions but is less impactful on other
indicators. This step can be optimized by using methane to produce steam for the
distillation process, thus improving sustainability
• Analysis of Results:
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results from the citrus waste biorefinery case study
highlight key environmental impacts. The most significant indicators analyzed include
Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), and Eutrophication
Potential (EP). Here’s a detailed breakdown of these impacts and the processing steps
that contribute the most to them:
1. Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- Total GWP: 937.3 kg CO₂ equivalent per 2500 kg of citrus waste (CW) processed.
- Contributing Steps:
Hydrolysis and Flashing: This step contributes 60.3% of the overall GWP (565 kg
CO₂ eq.). The high energy demand, particularly from steam production using fossil
fuels, is the major factor in its significant contribution.
Fermentation and Distillation: This step adds 38% to the GWP (357 kg CO₂ eq.),
largely due to the energy-intensive nature of distillation, which requires steam and
electricity derived from non-renewable sources.
2. Acidification Potential (AP)
- Total AP: 8.64 kg SO₂ equivalent per 2500 kg of CW processed.
- Contributing Steps:
Hydrolysis and Flashing: This step is responsible for about 57.3% of the AP (4.95
kg SO₂ eq.), again due to the use of steam and sulfuric acid, which contribute to SO₂
emissions.
Fermentation and Distillation: Contributing 40.6% to the AP (3.51 kg SO₂ eq.),
primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels for energy generation used in
fermentation and distillation.
3. Eutrophication Potential (EP)
- Total EP: 0.50 kg phosphate equivalent per 2500 kg of CW processed.
- Contributing Steps:
Hydrolysis and Flashing: This step contributes 60% to the EP (0.30 kg phosphate
eq.), largely from chemical usage and wastewater emissions that lead to nutrient
enrichment in water bodies.
Fermentation and Distillation: This step contributes about 38% (0.19 kg phosphate
eq.) due to similar reasons, such as effluents released during these processes.
Environmental Impact Summary:
- The hydrolysis and flashing step is the largest contributor to GWP, AP, and EP,
primarily due to high energy requirements and steam production.
- The fermentation and distillation process also plays a significant role, especially in
GWP and AP, because of its reliance on steam and electricity from fossil fuels.
- Anaerobic digestion contributes less to these specific indicators but emits large
amounts of biogenic CO₂, affecting the overall environmental impact.
• Innovation :
The use of process intensification technologies, such as microwave- and
ultrasonic-assisted extraction, has demonstrated significant potential to reduce
environmental burdens. These technologies offer advantages over conventional
processes in terms of efficiency and environmental impact.
• Conclusion and Recommendations:
The analysis concludes that while CPW can be a valuable resource for bioproduct
production, the environmental impact of the biorefinery process needs careful
consideration. Integrating innovative technologies and optimizing resource use can
enhance the biorefinery's sustainability. Recommendations include further research on
process intensification technologies, optimization of process parameters, and
development of more efficient energy management strategies.
3. Analytical Tools/Methods
1. Scientific Methods Used to Evaluate Environmental Impacts
In this case study, the environmental impacts of the citrus waste biorefinery
were evaluated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. This method
allows for examining all stages of the process, from the collection of citrus
waste to the valorization of final products.
The main scientific methods include:
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): This method quantified the environmental
impacts in various categories, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water
consumption, and waste generation.
• Impact Assessment: The authors used tools like the Eco-indicator 99
method to evaluate effects on human health, ecosystems, and resources.
2. Software or Tools Used :
Aspen Plus : This software was used for process simulation in the study, particularly
for modeling the production of ethanol, methane, and limonene from citrus waste. It
helped estimate the outputs based on actual experimental data.
GABI : This was used to model and simulate the biorefinery processes :
• Process Modeling: GABI allows creating detailed models of the different
stages of the biorefinery, including the transformation of citrus waste into value-added
products.
• Comparative Analysis: Using GABI facilitates the simulation of various
production scenarios and the comparison of environmental and economic
performance for different biorefinery configurations.
3. Measured Environmental Indicators
• CO2 Emissions: Quantified in carbon dioxide equivalents, these
measurements estimate the process's impact on climate change.
• Water Consumption: The study assessed the total water footprint,
considering water used throughout the waste transformation process.
• Waste Production: The authors measured the amount of waste generated
at each stage of the process to evaluate the system’s efficiency.
4. Evaluation of the Benefits of Advanced Process Intensification Technologies :
The authors compared advanced process intensification technologies with
traditional methods based on several criteria:
• Resource Efficiency: They demonstrated that using advanced
technologies, such as continuous fermentation and solvent extraction,
significantly improves yields in bioenergy and bioproduct production.
• Reduction of Environmental Impacts: The results showed that these
advanced technologies lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas
emissions and water consumption compared to traditional methods.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: The cost evaluation revealed that while the initial
investments for advanced technologies are higher, the long-term economies of
scale and environmental benefits justify this approach.
