Low-cost anaerobic digester to promote the circular bioeconomy in the non-centrifugal cane sugar sector: A life cycle assessment

This study aimed to assess the potential environmental benefits of implementing low-cost digesters valorize agro-industrial waste in non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) sector. Two scenarios were considered: i) current scenario which organic and wastewater burned outdoor discharged into a water body, respectively; ii) anaerobic digestion (AD) scenario, biodigesters used for treatment on-site. Results showed that sustainable alternative mitigate impacts, especially those associated with source pollution. Indeed, AD impact categories Freshwater Eutrophication Marine decrease 87.6% 99.4%, respectively, compared scenario. Thus, by treating on-site while producing bioproducts (i.e. biofuel biofertilizer), could contribute boosting circular bioeconomy NCS production