Economic and Technical Feasibility of AnchoisFert Organic Fertilizer Production

Abstract

Is the production of the “AnchoisFert” organic fertilizer via the circular economy process based on omega-3 lipid extraction of milled anchovy fillet leftovers with citrus limonene followed by mild drying economically and technically viable? This study answers this question and identifies the main obstacles, chiefly of economic and organizational nature, to be overcome prior to commercialization of this new organic fertilizer. Along with non-variable and proven efficacy, successful competition with conventional organic and inorganic fertilizers requires affordable cost and regular supply. This, inter alia, requires to establish new and mutually beneficial relationship between bioeconomy firms and fish processing companies.

Amino Acids in New Organic Fertilizer AnchoisFert

“…Along with the results of the techno‐economic [8] and life cycle assessment [34] analyses, these outcomes suggest that the circular economy LimoFish process [9] is highly effective in recovering valued AAs that otherwise would be lost in the environment. Its widespread practical uptake will greatly improve the sustainability of anchovy fishing, processing and consumption, [15] thereby further supporting the scale‐up and industrialization of the process.…”

“…Taken individually, either the production of the new whole fish oil [7] and that of the new organic fertilizer [8] are technically feasible and economically convenient. In brief, thanks to the “LimoFish” circular economy process, biowaste available in huge amounts (anchovy is the world's most caught fish) is converted into valued bioproducts in high demand using a non‐toxic solvent derived from orange peel (limonene) which is nearly entirely recovered after the oil and fertilizer co‐production [9]…”

Life cycle assessment of the LimoFish process for the full valorization of anchovy fillet leftovers

“…10 The process is entirely circular and waste-free because after the extraction of the oil, the biobased solvent derived from orange and lemon peels prior to fruit squeeze and juice production is nearly entirely recovered, whereas the anchovy residue (AnR) is an exceptional organic fertilizer dubbed "AnchoisFert" (AnF). 11 Named "LimoFish" (LiF), 12 and conducted under ultramild conditions (ambient temperature and pressure), the new extraction process has significant practical relevance because it closes the fishing material cycle for the world's most fished species (anchovy) 8,9 using a solvent that prevents microbial spoilage due to its powerful antimicrobial activity. 10 The process cuts the cost of the conventional energyintensive fish oil extraction and refinement multi-step processes shifting the production of fish oil rich in omega-3 lipids from blue fish to blue fish waste.…”