![]() The present work, therefore, provides an in-depth performance analysis of WAP based biorefinery as a waste management strategy. The preferred trade-off condition for enhanced economic and environmental performances was subsequently determined via multi-objective optimization, with a Pareto front containing non-dominated equally optimal solutions subsequently developed. This suggested that the determination of the optimal condition of the environmental and economic performances would require the imposition of trade-offs. The study was able to show that as the IRR value increased (better economic performance), the GF increased (poorer environmental performance). Economic and environmental performances of the WAP based biorefinery were assessed using the internal rate of return (IRR) and the mass of greenhouse gas emission per unit mass of feedstock (GF) as sufficient performance indicators, respectively. Technical feasibility was demonstrated via a process simulation study that employed experimental data and incorporated previously reported approaches in the literature. In line with the prevailing global interest in value extraction from biomass waste streams, the current study explored the technical feasibility of valorizing waste apple pomace (WAP) to produce high-value biochemicals of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), lactic acid, and xylitol. These observations suggested that the selection of the preferred AA production pathway or process will require a tradeoff between economic and environmental performance measures via the integration of a multicriteria decision assessment in future work. ![]() ![]() Crucially, the TFO process was determined to present an improved environmental performance (2.07 kPEI/h) compared to the environmental performance of the FD process (8.72 kPEI/h). The study showed that the FD pathway presented an improved economic performance (MSP of AA: USD 1.17 per kg) compared to the economic performance (MSP of AA: USD 1.56 per kg) of the TFO pathway. Economic performance and potential environmental impact of the FD and TFO pathways were assessed using the metrics of minimum selling price (MSP) and potential environmental impacts per h (PEI/h). The two competing production pathways investigated included a process incorporating WAP conversion to lactic acid (LA) prior to LA dehydration to generate AA (denoted as the fermentation–dehydration, i.e., FD, pathway) and another process involving WAP conversion to propylene prior to propylene oxidation to generate AA (denoted as the thermochemical–fermentation–oxidation, i.e., TFO, pathway). To undertake this assessment, process models based on two production pathways were designed, modelled and simulated in ASPEN plus® software. The present study assesses waste apple pomace (WAP) as a feedstock for sustainable AA production. Investigations regarding alternative strategies for AA production therefore constitute an important research interest. Due to this growing demand, alternative AA production strategies must be explored to avoid the exacerbation of prevailing climate and global warming issues since current AA production strategies involve fossil resources. The global demand for acrylic acid (AA) is increasing due to its wide range of applications. The study therefore presents a compelling basis for future investigations into AP waste management using the thermochemical liquefaction technology. A consideration of the comparative economics of the proposed AP valorization and the existing AP management approach, using approximate estimation techniques, highlighted the potential of a ~ 59% reduction in the unit cost of AP management. Notably, the application of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy showed that the oil product contained mainly aromatics and interestingly also alkanes, indicating that the experimental conditions imposed promoted secondary hydrogenation reactions of oxygen-containing species during AP valorization. The optimal yield of the oil was 24.6 wt.%, at the temperature, time, alcohol/water ratio v/v, and Fe³⁺/H2O2 molar ratio of 260 ☌, 4.7 h, 1, and 100, respectively. ![]() The present study assessed AP valorization by imposing variations in processing conditions of temperature (100–260 ☌), time (0.5–12 h), alcohol/water ratio v/v (0:1–1:0), and Fe³⁺/H2O2 molar ratio (10:1–100-1), in accordance to the Box-Behnken experimental design. Recognizing the un-sustainability of existing approaches in the production of these chemicals, the current study investigated the valorization of apple pomace (AP) for their production. Fossil sourced chemicals such as aromatics, are widely employed in the chemical industry for the production of commodity items.
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