Agro-Industrial Waste Treatment and Bioproduct Production

The Caparaó region, located in the southern part of Espírito Santo, stands out not only for its natural beauty and tourism potential but also for its importance to the local agribusiness sector. Key economic activities in the region include the production of specialty coffees, fruits—especially citrus—and the manufacturing of various food products and beverages.

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Linked to this productive scenario is the significant generation of agro-industrial waste from fruit processing, particularly peels, which represent the largest fraction of these residues. Due to their low commercial value, these materials often lack proper disposal or interest for reuse. However, recent studies indicate that fruit peels can concentrate bioactive compounds with health benefits, highlighting their potential for technological and industrial applications.

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In this context, the research project proposes the treatment and utilization of agro-industrial residues from fruit processing through studies focused on material characterization, optimization of operational conditions, and process modeling for drying. Technical aspects related to the selection and performance of dryers, as well as the potential use of these residues in biomaterial production, will also be evaluated.

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Additionally, the project includes the study of various techniques and methodologies for treating agro-industrial waste, including fluidization-based processes, extraction, flotation, and other technological alternatives, aiming to expand the potential applications of these materials and contribute to sustainable solutions within the regional agro-industry.

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Status: Ongoing
Type: Research

Members: Robson Costa de Sousa (Coordinator); Ariany Binda Silva Costa; Vitória Carolina Imbassay de Campos; Sara Guimarães Rangel; Vinícius Castilholi Castanheira.