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RESEARCH PAPER
Pyrolysis valorisation of fruit processing residues: energy and emission potential
of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) seed biochar
1
Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, Faculty of Technology and Life Sciences, Rzeszów University, Ćwiklińskiej 2D, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
2
Faculty of Engineering, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Transport and Bioenergetics,
Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda Andreja Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
3
Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
4
Pomology, Nursery and Enology Department, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 28, 20-400 Lublin, Poland
5
Institute of Technology and Life Sciences, National Research Institute, Falenty, Hrabska 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
Final revision date: 2025-09-17
Acceptance date: 2025-09-19
Publication date: 2025-11-04
Corresponding author
Bogdan Adam Saletnik
Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, Faculty of Technology and Life Sciences, Rzeszow University, Ćwiklińskiej 2D, 35-601, Rzeszów, Poland
Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, Faculty of Technology and Life Sciences, Rzeszow University, Ćwiklińskiej 2D, 35-601, Rzeszów, Poland
Int. Agrophys. 2026, 40(1): 55-66
HIGHLIGHTS
- Pyrolysis produced biochar from fruit seeds with high energy (>31 MJ kg-1)
- Emissions of CO, NOₓ, and SO₂ were greatly reduced by pyrolysis
- Biochar supports circular economy and sustainable energy production
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the use of post-production residues in the form of apricot and cornelian cherry seeds through pyrolysis, turning them into high-energy biochar. The experiments conducted reveal the potential of this waste as an alternative energy source. Pyrolysis at 500°C significantly improved their calorific value, reaching maximum values of 31.27 MJ kg-1 for apricot seeds and 31.26 MJ kg-1 for cornelian cherry seeds. Pyrolysis efficiency not only raised the energy value of the biomass, but also showed a significant reduction in emissions of harmful gases, such as CO, Nox, and SO2, making the combustion process greener. The research points to the potential of fruit processing residues in sustainable energy production, thereby meeting the goals of a circular economy. The research also complements existing knowledge in energy recovery technologies and the potential for effective waste management in the agri-food industry.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Authors do not declare any conflict of interest.
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