Potentials of Biomass Waste Valorization: Case of South America

Abstract

Various surveys carried out by government and scientific projects on the availability of direct and indirect waste biomass in South America reported that Brazil and Colombia produce 97% of the total waste biomass in the region, directly obtained from their extensive plantations of sugarcane. Besides, Argentina generates 45% of the total indirect biomass, followed by Brazil, Peru, Chile and Paraguay. The major source of that residues comprises sub-products of the wood (43%) and alimentary industry (20% from sugarcane and 11% from tea). Meaningful quantities of agri-cultural wastes originate from soybean and corn, as the continent produces 50% and 11% of the global harvest of these crops. The higher content of cellulose of eucalyptus and willow wastes (49%), among woody residues, along with its low lignin levels makes them more suitable for delignification and exploitation as 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 enzy-matic cocktails for cellulose and hemicellulose deconstruction and the consequent feedstock hy-drolysis is reviewed. Also, we introduce the potential applications of cellulases isolated from native Latin American microbiota explored by South American research groups.