Potentials of Biomass Waste Valorization: Case of South America

Abstract

Various surveys carried out by the government and scientific projects on the availability of direct and indirect waste biomass in South America have reported that Brazil and Colombia produce 97% of the total waste biomass in the region, directly obtained from their extensive plantations of sugarcane. In addition, Argentina generates 45% of the total indirect biomass, followed by Brazil, Peru, Chile and Paraguay. The major source of those residues comprises sub-products of the wood (43%) and alimentary industries (20% from sugarcane and 11% from tea). Meaningful quantities of agricultural waste originate from soybean and corn, as the continent produces 50% and 11% of the global harvest of these crops. The higher content of cellulose in eucalyptus and willow waste (49%), among woody residues, along with their low lignin levels, makes them more suitable for delignification and exploitation as a biorefinery feedstock. Regarding the remains of agroindustrial activities, sugarcane bagasse (53%), corn cob (40%), wheat straw (49%) and banana hulls (38%) are the remarkable ones. In this context, the latest research concerning the use of commercial enzymatic cocktails for cellulose and hemicellulose deconstruction and the consequent feedstock hydrolysis is reviewed. In addition, we introduce the potential applications of cellulases isolated from native Latin American microbiota explored by South American research groups.