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An Overview of Agro-Waste Management in Light of the Water-Energy-Waste Nexus

Author

Listed:
  • Hassan El-Ramady

    (Soil and Water Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
    Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 138 Böszörményi Street, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Eric C. Brevik

    (College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA)

  • Yousry Bayoumi

    (Physiology & Breeding of Horticultural Crops Laboratory, Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt)

  • Tarek A. Shalaby

    (Physiology & Breeding of Horticultural Crops Laboratory, Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt)

  • Mohammed E. El-Mahrouk

    (Physiology & Breeding of Horticultural Crops Laboratory, Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt)

  • Naglaa Taha

    (Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt)

  • Heba Elbasiouny

    (Environmental and Biological Sciences Dept., Home Economics Faculty, Al-Azhar University, Tanta 31732, Egypt)

  • Fathy Elbehiry

    (Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation, Cairo 11241, Egypt)

  • Megahed Amer

    (Soil Improvement and Conservation Dept., Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt)

  • Neama Abdalla

    (Plant Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt)

  • József Prokisch

    (Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 138 Böszörményi Street, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary)

  • Svein Ø. Solberg

    (Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Elverum, Norway)

  • Wanting Ling

    (Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China)

Abstract

It is urgent that we increase global food production to support population growth. Food production requires significant resources, amongst them water and energy. Therefore, any losses of food or other agricultural products also means a waste of water and energy resources. A significant amount of these losses occurs during the postharvest stage, primarily during processing and storage. This is considered avoidable food waste. The water-energy-waste nexus (WEW), and its relationship to food production, needs to be investigated from a circular bioeconomy lens. Furthermore, alternative uses of the wastes should be investigated. This review focuses on agro-wastes and their management as sources for bioactive compounds, biofertilizers, biomaterials, nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals and medicinal agents, and growth media, e.g., for plant tissue culture. We also investigated the potential contribution of agro-wastes to bioenergy production (bioethanol, biogas, and biofuel). Proper management of agro-wastes may support the mitigation of climate change, produce innovative bio-ingredients and biodegradable materials, and enhance green growth and a circular bioeconomy. We argue that the management of agro-wastes cannot be discussed without referring to the role of water and energy within the food system. Thus, this review focuses on agricultural wastes and their handling, applications, environmental impacts, and potential benefits in the agricultural and medical industries in light of the WEW nexus.

Suggested Citation

  • Hassan El-Ramady & Eric C. Brevik & Yousry Bayoumi & Tarek A. Shalaby & Mohammed E. El-Mahrouk & Naglaa Taha & Heba Elbasiouny & Fathy Elbehiry & Megahed Amer & Neama Abdalla & József Prokisch & Svein, 2022. "An Overview of Agro-Waste Management in Light of the Water-Energy-Waste Nexus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-30, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:15717-:d:984498
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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