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Olive Oil Wastewater Revalorization into a High-Added Value Product: A Biofertilizer Assessment Combining LCA and MCI

Author

Listed:
  • Roberto Petrucci

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Strada di Pentima, 4, 05100 Terni, Italy)

  • Gabriele Menegaldo

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy)

  • Lucia Rocchi

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy)

  • Luisa Paolotti

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy)

  • Antonio Boggia

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy)

  • Debora Puglia

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Strada di Pentima, 4, 05100 Terni, Italy)

Abstract

The olive oil sector constitutes a fundamental pillar in the Mediterranean region from socio-economic and cultural perspectives. Nonetheless, it produces significant amounts of waste, leading to numerous environmental issues. These waste streams contain valuable compounds that can be recovered and utilized as inputs for various applications. This study introduces a novel value chain for olive wastes, focused on extracting lignin from olive pomace by ionic liquids and polyphenols from olive mill wastewater, which are then incorporated as hybrid nanoparticles in the formulation of an innovative starch-based biofertilizer. This biofertilizer, obtained by using residual wastewater as a source of soluble nitrogen, acting at the same time as a plasticizer for the biopolymer, was demonstrated to surpass traditional NPK biofertilizers’ efficiency, allowing for root growth and foliage in drought conditions. In order to recognize the environmental impact due to its production and align it with the technical output, the circularity and environmental performance of the proposed system were innovatively evaluated through a combination of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI). LCA results indicated that the initial upcycling process was potentially characterized by significant hot spots, primarily related to energy consumption (>0.70 kWh/kg of water) during the early processing stages. As a result, the LCA score of this preliminary version of the biofertilizer may be higher than that of conventional commercial products, due to reliance on thermal processes for water removal and the substantial contribution (56%) of lignin/polyphenol precursors to the total LCA score. Replacing energy-intensive thermal treatments with more efficient alternatives represents a critical area for improvement. The MCI value of 0.84 indicates limited potential for further enhancement.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Petrucci & Gabriele Menegaldo & Lucia Rocchi & Luisa Paolotti & Antonio Boggia & Debora Puglia, 2025. "Olive Oil Wastewater Revalorization into a High-Added Value Product: A Biofertilizer Assessment Combining LCA and MCI," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-26, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6779-:d:1709947
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel El Chami & Raffaella Santagata & Stefania Moretti & Luca Moreschi & Adriana Del Borghi & Michela Gallo, 2023. "A Life Cycle Assessment to Evaluate the Environmental Benefits of Applying the Circular Economy Model to the Fertiliser Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-15, October.
    2. Erik Pauer & Bernhard Wohner & Victoria Heinrich & Manfred Tacker, 2019. "Assessing the Environmental Sustainability of Food Packaging: An Extended Life Cycle Assessment including Packaging-Related Food Losses and Waste and Circularity Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-21, February.
    3. Mariantonietta Intonti & Deborah Mola & Matteo De Leonardis & Giuseppe Starace, 2025. "Enhancing Circular Practices in Olive Oil Production: The Role of Green Finance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-12, January.
    4. Parascanu, M.M. & Puig Gamero, M. & Sánchez, P. & Soreanu, G. & Valverde, J.L. & Sanchez-Silva, L., 2018. "Life cycle assessment of olive pomace valorisation through pyrolysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 589-601.
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