Title:
Soxhlet Extraction of Valuable Compounds Using Cashew Nut Shells of Colombian Origin: Chemical Characterization and Sustainability Analysis
Author(s):
Cruz Reina, L.J., Dirceu-López, G., Repizo, J.C., Correa, S., Herrera-Orozco, I., Carazzone, C., Sierra, R.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Nowadays, the Vichada region in Colombia is seeking solutions for the sustainable production of cashew nuts. The generation of cashew nut shells (CNS) is a concern for the producers because this residue is toxic and resistant to natural degradation. Then, this residue accumulates on farms and has the potential to be a soil and water pollutant. In this work, soxhlet extraction with hexane (HSE) was used at a laboratory scale to recover natural substances from CNS obtained in Vichada. The extracts recovered were chemically profiled, and the remaining solids were analyzed to determine their composition. With the results, a life cycle analysis of the extraction was carried out to evaluate the environmental performance of the extraction with the aim convenience beyond only the technical aspects. With a yield of 20% wt, the extracts obtained were mainly composed of fatty acids (60% wt. of extract) with oleic acid (315.95 ± 14.96 mg/g of extract) being the most representative. Additionally, long-chain unsaturated phenols (about 30% wt. of extract) were identified. These compounds are associated with the acidity of this residue, which causes skin irritation. The solids after the extraction were rich in carbohydrates (~50% wt. of dry solids) and lignin whereas they still contained extractives. The sustainability analysis showed that the HSE can generate significant environmental impacts, especially in terms of CO2 emissions and human toxicity. Compared to emerging extraction technologies with reports presented in literature, should lead to decisions to improve the environmental performance of this extraction. This is the first study of its kind, which addresses the valorization of CNS under a circular economy approach, where the oily nature of CNS extracts was proven. Therefore, this residue has a valorization potential for the development of products with different applications such as cosmetics, energetic solutions, and pharmacological products.
Keywords:
agricultural residues, environmental impact, oilseeds, characterization, petrochemicals substitute, circular economy
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Agroforestry residues and by-products
Event:
31st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.1.8
Pages:
221 - 226
ISBN:
978-88-89407-23-3
Paper DOI:
10.5071/31stEUBCE2023-1DV.1.8
Price:
FREE
