Assessing of the most appropriate biotechnological strategy on the recovery of antioxidants from beet wastes by applying the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology

The valorization of agro-industrial waste streams and residues for the production antioxidant compounds is a good strategy circular economy approaches. However, to demonstrate its suitability operational feasibility, it necessary develop environmental assessments ensure effectiveness strategy. In this sense, large-scale simulation has been developed, obtaining ten different scenarios in which both leaves steam are used as process inputs, five extraction techniques applied, conventional: Soxhlet maceration, emerging technologies: ultrasonic assisted (UAE), supercritical fluid (SFE) pressurized liquid extraction, (PLE). Environmental results have shown that SFE PLE technologies lowest burdens, while UAE worst profile due high energy demand. Electricity could be considered main hotspot with highest impact, followed by requirements use solvent. To improve profile, sensitivity analyses were performed, considering renewable resources selection Although significant improvements obtained when electricity based on hydropower incineration, did not ethanol: water mixture or hexane extraction. Future research should focus reducing optimizing solvent dosage process.