Biosorption as a method of biowaste valorization to feed additives: RSM optimization

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Animal Nutrition

Background:

• Agricultural waste biomass presents disposal challenges.
• Supercritical CO2 extraction is an environmentally friendly method for biomass processing.
• Microelemental deficiencies can impact laying hen productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative microelemental feed additive for laying hens using agricultural waste (alfalfa and goldenrod).
• To optimize the biosorption process for copper (Cu(II)), manganese (Mn(II)), and zinc (Zn(II)) ions onto the biomass.
• To evaluate the in vitro release of these micronutrients under simulated digestive tract conditions.

Main Methods:

• Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for process optimization.
• Biosorption of Cu(II), Mn(II), and Zn(II) ions onto supercritical CO2 extracted alfalfa and goldenrod.
• Physicochemical characterization of biomass and functional group analysis.
• In vitro desorption tests simulating stomach (pH 1) and intestinal (pH 11) conditions.

Main Results:

• Optimized conditions for Cu(II), Mn(II), and Zn(II) ion enrichment were determined.
• Carboxylic and hydroxyl groups were identified as key binding sites for metal ions.
• Significant micronutrient release was observed under acidic (stomach) conditions: 9.80% Cu(II), 69.0% Zn(II), and 46.5% Mn(II) for alfalfa; 14.4% Cu(II), 66.9% Zn(II), and 31.9% Mn(II) for goldenrod.
• The prepared feed additive demonstrated potential for sustainable agriculture.

Conclusions:

• Waste biomass can be effectively converted into a valuable microelemental feed additive.
• The biosorption process is efficient for enriching biomass with essential micronutrients.
• The in vitro results suggest good bioavailability of the enriched micronutrients in the digestive tract.
• This approach offers a sustainable solution for animal feed supplementation and waste valorization.