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Strengthening the Circular Economy: The Reuse of Agri-Food Waste

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 March 2024) | Viewed by 17012

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francesco Sottile

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Guest Editor

Department of Architecture, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Interests: biodiversity issues; agroecology; circular economy; sustainable food system; ecology and rural development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A modern view of our lifestyle increasingly requires the effort of everyone in an attempt to reduce our impact on the environment that hosts us, as soon as possible. The ecological transition is the duty of everyone, including producers and consumers, and the continuous research on technological solutions must find a balance with the possibility of conserving natural resources, starting with nature-based solutions.

In the agri-food chain, therefore, we must act consciously and develop models capable of exploiting production waste to ensure the strengthening of bioeconomic approaches to production systems. Today, we are increasingly discussing circular approaches to ensure a systemic view that involves every phase of agri-food production and that, with this approach, allows us at every stage to identify circular economy strategies. Here, scientific research can offer many solutions by developing models of waste management of all types to ensure reuse or regeneration. Each agricultural supply chain has delicate phases in its production cycle, and the production of waste or scrap may encourage the design and use of production models to mitigate the environmental impact of agro-food production and, ultimately, to the fight against climate change. A sustainable bioeconomy is capable of working toward renewable biological sources, reducing our emissions along the entire supply chain, and encouraging an overall decrease in consumption through the basic principles of resource efficiency, thwhichat covers the production phase and considers waste prevention and recycling.

In this Special Issue, we welcome scientific studies in which these models were developed, contributing to increasing our knowledge of the sector and promoting ecological transition. We aim to host studies aimed at strengthening the sustainability of food production chains, such as organic and biodynamic agriculture, which, while following principles of agroecology, models of waste management can be developed according to a vision of sustainability. We expect to receive contributions based on the experience of biologists, agronomists, architects, engineers, and physicians from both individual and systemic perspectives, through multidisciplinary research.

Dr. Francesco Sottile
Guest Editor

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Keywords

reuse
regeneration
agri-food chain
waste, bioeconomy
environment
nature-based solutions

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Orange Waste Extract Produced by Hydrodynamic Cavitation on the Germination of Chenopodium album L. and Lactuca sativa L.

by Francesca Ugolini, Alfonso Crisci, Silvia Baronti, Gabriele Cencetti, Aldo Dal Prà, Lorenzo Albanese, Marco Michelozzi, Federica Zabini and Francesco Meneguzzo

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 3039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073039 - 5 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1142

Abstract

A byproduct from orange juice processing known as pastazzo represents a significant organic waste stream. Rich in essential oils and known for its inhibitory effect on plant germination, pastazzo could serve as a valuable input for agricultural purposes. This study assesses the effects of a 40% w/v orange pastazzo water extract (OPWE) produced by hydrodynamic cavitation on the germination of two species, one of economic interest (Lactuca sativa L.) and one common weed (Chenopodium album L.). Three dilutions of OPWE in water (25%; 50%; 75%) were compared to a control treatment in four experiments, using (i) seeds in Petri dishes; (ii) seeds in commercial substrate; (iii) C. album seeds and transplanted L. sativa in commercial substrate; and (iv) other weeds in an open-field plantation of L. sativa. Highly rich in limonene, OPWE applied at higher concentrations in Petri dishes caused the effective inhibition of germination in C. album and a germination delay in L. sativa. Similar results were observed in the germination of the two species in commercial substrate, with none of the dilutions affecting L. sativa biomass. In the field experiment, despite a relatively low number of weeds in the control treatment, higher OPWE concentrations reduced the number of grasses and forbs, largely confirming the inhibitory effects. We conclude that OPWE produced with hydrodynamic cavitation, an efficient and affordable method of extraction, represents an effective crop treatment due to the species-specific effects of its constituent limonene on plant germination. Further tests are essential to understand the extent to which OPWE interacts with other species and types of substrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strengthening the Circular Economy: The Reuse of Agri-Food Waste)

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14 pages, 2895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. and Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. Mucilage-Based Painting Binders for Conservation of Cultural Heritage

by Giulia D’Agostino, Rosalia Merra, Natale Badalamenti, Giuseppe Lazzara, Maurizio Bruno and Francesco Sottile

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14487; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914487 - 4 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2050

Abstract

The possibility of using materials from the waste of agricultural products for the conservation of cultural and artistic heritage has led to important technological developments on mortars, plasters, colors, and other applications. In this experimental work, we investigated the binding properties of mucilage obtained from two different species of the genus Opuntia, both collected in Sicily, Italy: Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. and Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. Through chemical acid hydrolysis, and subsequent spectroscopic analysis conducted at ¹³C-NMR, the main monosaccharide composition of both mucilage was studied, identifying considerable compositional differences. In fact, the mucilage of O. ficus indica had similar total amounts of arabinose (23.65%), galactose (20.87%), and glucose isomers (23.89%), while that of O. stricta was characterized by significant amounts of arabinose (36.48%) and galactose (32.31%) units. The samples were obtained by dispersing pigments on the mucilage and applying the obtained tempera by a brush onto both paper and chalk supports, in order to observe if the colors changed with different substrates. Colorimetric analysis, measuring ΔE, showed how the same pigment modifies its aspect depending on the binder used. After a two-week UV ageing process, pigments that had dispersed in O. stricta changed their aspect more than those dispersed in O. ficus-indica. Overall, it is also evident how ΔE data for organic pigments are higher than those for inorganic ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strengthening the Circular Economy: The Reuse of Agri-Food Waste)

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12 pages, 2356 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Almonds By-Product Microcrystalline Cellulose as Stucco for Wooden Artifacts

by Giulia D’Agostino, Rosalia Merra, Francesco Sottile, Giuseppe Lazzara and Maurizio Bruno

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 7800; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107800 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1900

Abstract

Over the years in the field of conservation of cultural heritage, a wide use of traditional products for the plastic reintegration of wooden artifacts has been seen. However, they are usually not designed for this purpose. The present study also shows, in terms of material compatibility, the material most suited for wood restoration, cellulose pulp, from the perspective of a new green approach of reusing waste. Indeed, microcellulose was obtained by simple alkaline treatment from softwood almond shells. In particular, Prunus dulcis Miller (D.A.) Webb. was considered an agro-industrial waste largely available in southern Italy. To value the possibility of using this material in a circular economy framework, a microcellulosic material was used, by adding different binders, to manufacture several stuccos to utilize as wood consolidants. Successively, in order to obtain stuccos with biocidal properties against fungal colonization or insect infestation, to which wooden artifacts are often exposed, cellulose pulp was combined with the essential oil of Thymus capitaus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link., whose biological properties have been largely reported. The physical flexion properties of all new materials were tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strengthening the Circular Economy: The Reuse of Agri-Food Waste)

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11 pages, 1019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Physicochemical Characteristics and Bioactivity of Olive Oil Mill Wastewaters from Traditional and Water-Saving ARA-Controlled Three-Phase Decanter

by Vincenzo Sicari, Irene Maria Grazia Custureri, Rosa Tundis and Monica Rosa Loizzo

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3890; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053890 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1681

Abstract

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is one of the most environmentally concerning food processing effluents due to its phytotoxicity. Recently, several bioactive compounds with potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries have been identified in OMW. This study aimed to compare, for the first time, the physico-chemical characteristics and biological activity of OMW obtained by two different types of three-phase decanters: a traditional one and a water-saving ARA decanter. DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching tests were used to investigate the antioxidant effects. The inhibition of key enzymes involved in hyperglycemia and hypolipidemia were also assessed. A high concentration of phenolic compounds was found in OMW obtained by the ARA-controlled system. Hydroxytyrosol resulted as the dominant compound, with a content of 502.3 mg/kg. OMW extract obtained by ARA decanter resulted as the most active in the FRAP test, with value of 67.23 µMFe (II)/g. A moderate inhibitory activity was found against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase enzymes. Data obtained by this study evidenced that the use of the ARA decanter allows for obtaining OMW extract characterized by a higher content of phytochemicals in comparison to those obtained by the traditional phase decanter, and a consequent higher biological activity. At the same time, the use of this equipment allows for the reduction of environment impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strengthening the Circular Economy: The Reuse of Agri-Food Waste)

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14 pages, 821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gendered Awareness of Pig and Poultry Farmers on the Potential of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Farming in Kenya

by Collins M. Bulinda, Eric O. Gido, Holger Kirscht and Chrysantus M. Tanga

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3613; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043613 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

Given the need to boost food production while guaranteeing environmental sustainability, the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens (L.), Diptera: Stratiomyidae) is gaining traction worldwide as an alternative protein source. In Kenya, BSF production and its use as a feed component is an emerging business, but farmer awareness of the potential use of BSF in animal feed has received limited attention. This study examined the factors influencing farmer awareness of insect farming and its usefulness as ingredient in livestock feed from a gender perspective. The analysis employed a mixed-methods approach by combining binary logistic regression analysis using cross-sectional survey data from a sub-sample of 235 pig and poultry farmers and content analysis from in-depth phone interviews. The study was implemented in Kiambu County, Kenya. About 44% of the farmers were aware of the use of black soldier fly in the animal feed industry, of which 46.72% were female, and 41.59% were male. From the results, years of education, the number of chickens owned, and membership in agricultural groups significantly influenced male and female farmers’ awareness. In addition, age and the number of pigs owned significantly influenced female farmers’ awareness. The results suggest that these factors are important to consider when strategies are developed to create awareness of BSF farming. Lessons learned from this study will inform BSF dissemination strategies to better target potential men and women BSF producers, influence their decision-making ability and improve information flows between scientists and producers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strengthening the Circular Economy: The Reuse of Agri-Food Waste)

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Review

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30 pages, 2039 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Embedded Agroecology of Coffee Agroforestry: A Contextualized Review of Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption and Resistance

by Karl Wienhold and Luis F. Goulao

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6827; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086827 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6691

Abstract

Contemporary ecology and agronomy point to the many benefits of agroforestry crop systems for the provision of ecosystem services by regenerating native ecologies, and in many contexts, socio-economic benefits for coffee farmers, especially the contribution of nitrogen-fixing trees’ litter to soil nutrition and water retention. However, the implementation of agroforestry in coffee cultivation is thus far incomplete and uptake has been uneven. In this paper, we examine the adoption and non-adoption of agroforestry coffee growing techniques as a reflection of the historical, social and cultural embeddedness of smallholder coffee cultivation. It is structured as a narrative literature review contextualized with the results of surveys of smallholder coffee farmers in Colombia, Malawi and Uganda regarding their perceptions of agroforestry coffee in their respective contexts. Findings suggest that coffee farmers’ perceptions of agroforestry and the decision to implement or remove it are influenced by factors included in the notion of embeddedness, involving social relations, historical memory and formal and informal institutions, as well as practical capabilities. Intention and action are sometimes discordant due to the complex interactions of these institutional factors, and they often conflict with outside interveners’ expectations based on epistemological differences. The study illuminates some of the main sources, manifestations and dimensions of the social embeddedness of agricultural practices which mediate the perception of current practices, the sacrifice implied by potential changes, the credibility of theories linking action with outcome and the desirability of expected outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strengthening the Circular Economy: The Reuse of Agri-Food Waste)

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