Pyrolysis: a promising technology for agricultural waste conversion into value-added products

Valdecir Ferrari (), Mateus Torres Nazari (), Nathalia Favarin Silva, Larissa Crestani, Lucas Manique Raymundo, Guilherme Luiz Dotto, Jeferson Steffanello Piccin, Luis Felipe Silva Oliveira () and Andrea Moura Bernardes ()
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Valdecir Ferrari: Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Mateus Torres Nazari: University of Passo Fundo (UPF)
Nathalia Favarin Silva: Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)
Larissa Crestani: Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)
Lucas Manique Raymundo: Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Guilherme Luiz Dotto: Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM)
Jeferson Steffanello Piccin: University of Passo Fundo (UPF)
Luis Felipe Silva Oliveira: Universidad De La Costa
Andrea Moura Bernardes: Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2025, vol. 27, issue 8, No 7, 17957-17991

Abstract: Abstract Agricultural waste management poses a significant challenge due to increasing generation rate of this residue, necessitating the development of solutions to minimize various problems in this context. Among the potential possibilities, pyrolysis stands out as a promising technology due to its low operational costs, simplicity of operation, and the production of several value-added products, including solids (biochar), liquids (pyroligneous extracts: pyroligneous acid and bio-oil), and gaseous (non-condensable gases). This work aimed to synthesize the recent advances and potential uses for the products obtained from the pyrolysis of agricultural wastes, with a particular focus on the emerging applications of the liquid fraction. To achieve the purpose of this review, a bibliographic portfolio was created using a state-of-the-art approach, utilizing Scopus as the database. The yields and uses of pyrolysis products vary according to operational parameters, such as temperature, heating rate, residence time, reactor, agro-waste characteristics, and others. These products have diverse potential applications, including environmental uses (soil remediation, wastewater treatment, and bioenergy), pharmaceutical purposes (antimicrobials, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories), food industry uses (preservatives and smoke flavor), and applications in agriculture and livestock (plant growth promotion, pest and disease control, feed additive, and soil conditioner). Therefore, pyrolysis is a promising technology for the valorization of agricultural wastes, promoting various aspects of the circular economy and providing a sustainable solution to obtain several value-added products with diverse applications from this thermochemical conversion process.

Keywords: Biochar; Bio-oil; Wood vinegar; Pyroligneous acid; Syngas; Waste valorization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-024-04760-w

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