Ultrasonic pre-treatment of vegetable waste: enhancing bioethanol production for sustainable waste management

Resumo

The management of food waste generated by industries presents significant challenges, particularly regarding the environmental and economic impacts associated with improper disposal. This has led to the exploration of innovative waste management technologies, including circular economy principles and biotechnology. Biofuels like bioethanol are emerging as cleaner alternatives compared to fossil fuels, promoting less harmful combustion processes. Vegetable residues, rich in carbohydrates, are gaining prominence in bioethanol production. However, their rigid lignocellulosic structure complicates conversion due to the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Effective pre-treatment to disrupt lignin is essential for increasing sugar availability. This study aims to review the use of vegetable residues for biofuel production, emphasizing the ultrasonic pre-treatment of these materials. Research has shown significant advancements in pre-treatment methods, hydrolytic enzymes, and fermentative microorganisms, with ultrasonic techniques proving effective in enhancing biomass accessibility for enzymatic hydrolysis, thereby increasing bioethanol yield and supporting sustainable waste management.