Resource recovery from Pomelo byproducts for zero waste biorefinery and bioeconomic perspectives
Prakash Kumar Sarangi, Rajesh K. Srivastava, Uttam Kumar Sahoo, Vivekanand Vivekanand
Abstract
The generation of fruit wastes originating from diverse agricultural sectors constitutes a significant environmental problem. Being lignocellulosic in nature, the biological conversion of fruit wastes can be feasibly accomplished to yield bioactive compounds and biochemicals through biorefinery pathways. Biowastes are produced during various fruit and vegetable processing. Global consumption of pomelo fruit results in the generation of valuable by-products such as pomelo peels. These peels represent approximately 30% of the total fruit weight and present essential nutrients and functional compounds. They serve as an excellent source for extracting bioactive compounds, encompassing phytochemicals like aroma-active volatiles, pectin, flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, coumarins, and polysaccharides. Consequently, the value addition of these phytochemicals presents an opportunity for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. The exploration and enhancement of pomelo peels can yield diverse products, including adsorbents and bioethanol, showcasing promising potential for a circular bioeconomy and contributing to sustainable solutions for food and nutritional security. The technologies employed for the conversion of pomelo waste are critically summarized within the framework of a circular bioeconomy.