The Agro-Waste Production in Selected EUSAIR Regions and Its Potential Use for Building Applications: A Review

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a snapshot of the agro-waste production in Puglia, Molise, Albania and Montenegro, some of the regions belonging to EUSAIR (ADRIATIC-IONIAN REGIONS) correlating this aspect to the possible use of agro-waste in the building sector. EUSAIR is a functional area, facing the Adriatic sea, treating the marine, coastal and terrestrial areas as interconnected systems. In the first part of the paper, the state of the art about the current consumption of agricultural biomass is carried out referring to the ongoing research lines. It was shown that a great number of international studies have demonstrated that the agro-waste plays an important role in several fields. Moreover, several researchers conducted studies on hygrothermal, physical and acoustical properties of building materials made with biomass proving the potentiality to use this kind of by-product. Then, the state of the art regarding the production and current way of disposal of the agro-waste in the regions of the EUSAIR above mentioned was performed in order to outline the possible by-products which are suitable to be re-used in the building sector. The correlation existing between the agro-waste and the possible use in the building sector is finally presented, focusing on the legislative framework currently existing in each of the regions.

Management of agricultural waste biomass as raw material for the construction sector: an analysis of sustainable and circular alternatives

“…A study identified coconut and rice husks as one of the main AWBs used to produce biopolymers for construction applications [20]. In line with the findings of other studies, it is evident that fibrous AWBs such as rice husks, cereal straw and bagasse are suitable for thermal and acoustic insulation applications [21,37,65].…”

“…Examples include activated binders, insulation products, alternative cementitious materials in concrete, bricks, and reinforced concrete panels [5,. Other studies have analysed the feasibility of its use in specific regions [31,37]. However, the authors are not aware of extensive and comprehensive research on the use of AWB in the construction industry.…”

Emerging Frontiers in Nanotechnology for Precision Agriculture: Advancements, Hurdles and Prospects

“…Nevertheless, the issue of agro-waste burning is linked to environmental pollution and is restricted in several countries or provinces [248]. Agro-waste can be dealt innovatively through composting, producing bioactive compounds, nanomaterials, and biorefinery tools [249].…”

Coconut Shell Agro-waste-derived Cellulosic Powder as a Potential Reinforcement for Sustainable Polymeric Composite Application

“…In recent years, natural lignocellulosic materials, such as hemp, bamboo, ax, sisal, etc., have become the most signi cant reinforcing materials in polymer matrices. The use of these wood-based raw materials involves cutting plant bres, contributing to the triple planetary crisis: loss of biodiversity, pollution, and climate change [6], [7]. With increasing areas of application of polymer composites, the consumption of wood-based raw materials is expected to increase.…”