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Analysis Study Research Paper | Environmental Biology | Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026 | Pages: 1247 - 1250 | India
Waste to Wealth: A Review of Conversion Pathways, Technologies and Policy Perspectives
Abstract: Agricultural residues represent an underutilized resource for sustainable energy and nutrient recycling. This review synthesizes biochemical and thermochemical conversion pathways, evaluates fertilizer recovery technologies, and examines policy and implementation frameworks. Evidence indicates that anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and integrated valorisation systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, and enhance rural energy access. However, logistical constraints, capital costs, and regulatory gaps remain critical barriers. The study highlights emerging innovations such as engineered biochar and hybrid hydrothermal digestion systems, emphasizing the need for sustainability criteria and decentralized deployment strategies. Agricultural residues and wastes like crop stalks, straw, husks, pruning residues, animal manures and processing by-products are produced in huge quantities worldwide. Instead of open burning or unmanaged disposal, these materials can be converted into energy carriers (biogas, bioethanol, bio-oil, syngas, pellets) and into value-added fertilizers/soil amendments (digestate, compost, biochar). This review examines the major conversion pathways (biochemical and thermochemical), describes technologies and integrated systems, summarizes agronomic use of residues-derived fertilizers, evaluates advantages and limitations, presents real-world examples, surveys, recent research innovations and practical recommendations.
Keywords: Thermochemical Conversion, Agricultural residues, Bioenergy conversion, Anaerobic digestion, Biochar fertilizer, Circular bioeconomy, Nutrient recovery, Sustainable biomass management
How to Cite?: Dr. Moparthy John Paul, "Waste to Wealth: A Review of Conversion Pathways, Technologies and Policy Perspectives", Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1247-1250, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26320072444, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26320072444