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Valorization and Environmental Impacts of Pecan Waste: A Critical Review

Summary

Pecan shells, which make up about half of the pecan nut and are usually discarded, contain valuable compounds with health-promoting properties like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. These shells can be transformed into useful products including ingredients for food supplements and medicines, activated carbon for cleaning water, materials for making eco-friendly plastics, and energy sources. By converting pecan waste into valuable products instead of throwing it away, communities can reduce environmental pollution, improve public health, and create economic opportunities while supporting sustainable farming practices.

Background

Pecan nut cultivation generates substantial byproducts, particularly nutshells comprising 40-50% of total nut mass, which are often discarded despite being rich in bioactive compounds, phenolics, flavonoids, and lignocellulosic matter. Global pecan production was approximately 129,510 metric tons in 2021-2022, with the United States and Mexico as leading producers. The disposal of large volumes of pecan shell waste remains problematic due to slow degradation and minimal incorporation into circular economy systems.

Objective

This systematic review critically evaluates the potential of pecan shell waste for value-added applications in environmental remediation, food and pharmaceutical formulations, and green materials production. It explores innovative green extraction techniques and the conversion of pecan shells into activated carbon, biochar, and other sustainable products while examining their environmental impacts and alignment with circular economy principles.

Results

Pecan shells contain 32-45% cellulose, 20-30% hemicellulose, 28-35% lignin, and high levels of bioactive compounds including ellagic acid, tannins, catechins, and quercetin. Applications demonstrated include bioenergy production through pyrolysis and gasification, activated carbon for wastewater treatment, biochar for soil amendment, bioplastic composites, and nutraceutical/pharmaceutical ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Conclusion

Pecan shell valorization represents a sustainable pathway to reduce agricultural waste while creating high-value products for energy, materials, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Green extraction techniques enable efficient recovery of bioactive compounds with minimal environmental impact, and biochar applications enhance soil health and carbon sequestration. Future efforts should focus on improving preprocessing techniques, scaling production, standardizing quality, and conducting life-cycle assessments to fully integrate pecan shells into circular bioeconomy models.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 41517234
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