Valorization of Banana Agro-Waste: A Review of Environmental and Industrial Applications

Abstract

In a variety of sectors, bananas are used to make juices and as product additives.  Banana wastes consist of the fruit peels which are usually discarded, rejected or overripe fruits, pseudostems, leaves, inflorescences, and residues such as waste-water generated during processing and fiber extraction. The peel, a byproduct of bananas, is removed after the fruit has been put to use. There are issues specific to the environment at different levels and in different sectors. Foul-smell, attracting pests, promoting microbial proliferation, and contributing to soil and water pollution due to uncontrolled decomposition are some of the environmental hazards that can be created when banana wastes are improperly disposed of. The possession of numerous functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups which enhance heavy metal adsorption makes banana wastes highly effective; on the other hand, it turns out as suitable raw material for bioplastic production due to high starch content. The use of banana wastes as an affordable solution for a range of environmental issues like wastewater treatment, use as biofertilizer, as bioplastic-film, in bioremediation and energy production; also the removal of heavy metals (Cu, Zn), dyes, and pharmaceutical compounds are covered in this review. These processes support the circular economy and contribute to Sustainable development Goal 13 (climate Action).