Potentials of Biomass Waste Valorization: Case of South America

SOFIA SAMPAOLESI; LAURA BRIAND; MARIO CARLOS SAPARRAT; MARÍA VICTORIA TOLEDO

Sustainability

MDPI

Lugar: Basel; Año: 2023

2071-1050

Abstract: Various surveys carried out by government and scientific projects on the availability of direct and indirect waste biomass in South America reported that Brazil and Colombia produce 97% of the total waste biomass in the region, directly obtained from their extensive plantations of sugarcane. Besides, Argentina generates 45% of the total indirect biomass, followed by Brazil, Peru, Chile and Paraguay. The major source of that residues comprises sub-products of the wood (43%) and alimentary industry (20% from sugarcane and 11% from tea). Meaningful quantities of agri-cultural wastes originate from soybean and corn, as the continent produces 50% and 11% of the global harvest of these crops. The higher content of cellulose of eucalyptus and willow wastes (49%), among woody residues, along with its low lignin levels makes them more suitable for delignification and exploitation as biorefinery feedstock. Regarding the remains of agroindustrial activities, sugarcane bagasse (53%), corn cob (40%), wheat straw (49%) and banana hulls (38%) are the remarkable ones. In this context, the latest research concerning the use of commercial enzy-matic cocktails for cellulose and hemicellulose deconstruction and the consequent feedstock hy-drolysis is reviewed. Also, we introduce the potential applications of cellulases isolated from native Latin American microbiota explored by South American research groups.