Circular economy in the rum industry: development of a biofertilizer from vinasse effluents
Keywords:
biofertilizer, circular economy, agro-industrial waste management, Trichoderma harzianum; vinasseAbstract
Vinasse is a by-product generated during rum production and is characterized by high organic load, acidity, and nutrient content. Improper disposal of this effluent can cause significant environmental impacts on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, its physicochemical properties make it a promising resource for valorization within a circular economy framework. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a biofertilizer from rum vinasse enriched with Trichoderma harzianum and to evaluate its potential agricultural application in Coriandrum sativum (coriander) cultivation. The research involved the physicochemical characterization of vinasse, focusing on agronomically relevant parameters such as pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Subsequently, the vinasse pH was adjusted to conditions suitable for fungal growth, and T. harzianum was isolated and cultivated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The fungal inoculum was then incorporated into vinasse samples at different concentrations. In addition, a 2³ factorial experimental design was established to assess the effects of cultivation time, biofertilizer concentration, and fertilizer type on coriander biometric parameters. Preliminary results revealed that vinasse contains appreciable concentrations of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and calcium, supporting its potential use as a raw material for biofertilizer production. Furthermore, successful isolation of T. harzianum and adjustment of vinasse pH to values compatible with fungal development were achieved. The combination of the nutrient-rich composition of vinasse and the plant growth-promoting properties of T. harzianum suggests a synergistic effect that may enhance crop development. These findings indicate that vinasse valorization through biofertilizer production represents a promising strategy to reduce the environmental burden of rum industry effluents, promote agro-industrial waste reuse, and contribute to the development of more sustainable agricultural systems.
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