Electricity generation from defective tomatoes

Abstract

The United States faces a significant burden in treating 0.61billionkg of defective tomatoes (culls) every year. We present a proof-of-concept for generating electricity from culled tomatoes in microbial-electrochemical systems (MESs). This study delineates impedance behavior of the culled tomatoes in MESs and compares its impedance spectra with that of soluble substrates (dextrose, acetate, and wastewater). A series of AC and DC diagnostic tests have revealed the superior performance of the culled tomatoes compared to the pure substrates. Cyclic voltammetry results have indicated the active role of indigenous, diffusible redox-active pigments in the culled tomatoes on overall electricity production. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results have elucidated the role of peel and seed on the oxidation behavior of the culled tomatoes.

Integrated membrane and microbial fuel cell technologies for enabling energy-efficient effluent Re-use in power plants

“…The test and control MFCs were based on the two-compartment MFCs described in our earlier studies ( Figure S4a, S4b) (Fogg et al, 2015;Shrestha et al, 2016 replenishing the anode with 180 mL of fresh media ( Figure S5). The spent anolyte of WW MFC from the cycles 6 to 17 was stored at 4 O C and was subsequently used as the UF feed.…”

Valorization of Tomato Processing by-Products: Fatty Acid Extraction and Production of Bio-Based Materials

“…Tomato pomace is the resulting residue and consists of peels, seeds, and fibers. On a dry basis, it represents about 2–3% of the fresh processed weight [6,7,8] and constitutes a potential global renewable feedstock ranging from 0.8 to 1.3 Mtons/year. Tomato pomace can be used as a supplement for animal feeding, and, due to its high protein content (~10–20% w / w ), has also been considered for human consumption [9].…”

Processing, Valorization and Application of Bio-Waste Derived Compounds from Potato, Tomato, Olive and Cereals: A Review

“…Processing also generates discards following washing and inspection. One kilogram of processed tomatoes results in 20 g of discards and 20 g of peel and skin residues [161]. Fresh culled tomatoes comprise 14-20% crude protein, 4-5% ether extract, 22% cellulose and lignin (acid detergent fiber), 40-60% non-structural carbohydrates (of which 90-95% are soluble sugars) and 5-10% pectins [162,163].…”