Recycling slaughterhouse wastes into potential energy and hydrogen sources: An approach for the future sustainable energy

Abstract

Slaughterhouse/abattoir waste dumping has always been a key environmental task globally. Alongside, a huge amount of cost is associated with this dumping process. Slaughterhouse wastes can be converted into energy and hydrogen through proper scientific methodology and new technology. For example, 4.785 million L of chicken fat oil could generate around 4.068 million L of biodiesel. Even blood, however, has a very higher demand for chemical oxygen, around 375,000 mg/L. This review focuses on the potential to generate biogas, biodiesel, and hydrogen by using the animal fats and related wastes of slaughterhouses. A detailed review of the catalytic cycle of laccase and the transesterification process is discussed for the generation of biogas and biodiesel from slaughterhouse wastes. The review suggests that the characteristic properties of slaughterhouse wastes are favorable for biodiesel and hydrogen production. Optimum reactor conditions, proper pretreatment, and additives can produce fuel having quality almost similar to conventional fuel. 2022 Elsevier Ltd