Sustainable Management of Chicken Waste: Exploring Conversion Technologies for Environmental Benefits

The notable increase in chicken waste resulting from the rapid expansion of the chicken industry represents a major concern and danger to public health and the environment. Therefore, this varied waste stream in the chicken industry, including bedding materials, dung, feathers, and mortalities, requires efficient management techniques. Improper chicken waste disposal can lead to nutrient leakage and water and soil contamination, which can cause eutrophication and aid in spreading harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Moreover, untreated waste exacerbates climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, in response to these challenges, this review analyses many treatment techniques that might convert this complicated waste stream into a useful resource to support environmental sustainability in the chicken industry and enhance soil health. Furthermore, this study evaluates gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and composting as viable methods to reduce pollution from chicken waste while producing useful byproducts. Anaerobic digestion uses bacteria to produce biogas, a sustainable energy source; pyrolysis produces biochar and bio-oil; composting converts waste into fertilizer; gasification produces syngas for fertilizer production. However, choosing the most efficient treatment approach necessitates thoroughly assessing waste properties, intended end products, and economic factors. This review aims to expand the understanding of these treatment procedures and their related advantages to assist in developing sustainable and effective strategies for dealing with chicken waste. These strategies, which prioritize value development, environmental preservation, and public health, have the potential to pave the way for a more responsible and sustainable future for the chicken industry.