Waste-to-resilience: energy, soil fertility, and sustainability through anaerobic biotransformation

The fate of agricultural residues is unsatisfactory worldwide. Large quantities of organic waste are often underused, merely discarded, leading to greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water pollution, and the loss of valuable resources. Anaerobic biotransformation is a promising and sustainable approach to convert organic residues into biogas and nutrient-rich biofertilizers. This literature review examines the diverse types of agricultural residues and the environmental risks associated with their inadequate disposal. It provides a comprehensive view of the anaerobic digestion process. Critical physico-chemical parameters influence the efficiency of the process, including temperature, pH, substrate composition, and retention time. Biotechnological additives optimise anaerobic digestion performance and boost biogas production. By integrating recent advances in the field, this review shows that anaerobic biotransformation is a cornerstone of the circular economy and sustainable agriculture.