An Evaluation of the Energy Potential of Agri-Food Waste: Green Residues from Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) and Shea Nutshells (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i>)

An Evaluation of the Energy Potential of Agri-Food Waste: Green Residues from Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) and Shea Nutshells (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i>)

Addressing the agricultural challenges of agri-food waste accumulation, this study assessed the energy potential of green residues from tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L. cv. Kmicic) plants in different fertilizer configurations and Shea nutshell (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i&g...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Maja Owczarek, Hanna Siwek, Małgorzata Włodarczyk
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
biowaste and bioenergy
waste-to-energy
biogas and biomethane production
calorific value
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/3/730
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Summary:Addressing the agricultural challenges of agri-food waste accumulation, this study assessed the energy potential of green residues from tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L. cv. Kmicic) plants in different fertilizer configurations and Shea nutshell (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i>) waste. Two key parameters were compared: (I) <i>Calorific Value</i> (<i>CV</i>), representing thermal treatment, and (II) <i>Biogas</i> and <i>Biomethane production</i> potential, representing biochemical treatment. Potential was estimated using the Baserga method and the fermentable organic matter (<i>FOM</i>) method. Additionally, the effect of tomato fertilization on the elemental composition and energy potential of its waste was analyzed. Shea waste showed better properties for both thermal and biochemical utilization, with a <i>CV</i> of 16.29 MJ/kg. The Baserga and <i>FOM</i> methods of estimation showed that the highest <i>Biogas yields</i> from Shea waste were 504.18 and 671.39 L<sub>N</sub>/kg <i>DM</i>, respectively. Among fertilized tomato residues, volcanic tuff fertilizer additive resulted in an optimal <i>C</i>/<i>N</i> ratio (28.41) and a high <i>Biogas production</i> potential of 457.13 L<sub>N</sub>/kg <i>DM</i> (Baserga) and 542.85 L<sub>N</sub>/kg <i>DM</i> (<i>FOM</i>). These findings demonstrate the feasibility of employing tomato waste and Shea waste as promising feedstock for energy production.
ISSN:1996-1073

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