Protein recovery from animal by-product wastewater rich in protein for application as biostimulant in agriculture

• Published in: Journal of water process engineering 2024-09, Vol.66, p.106120, Article 106120
• Main Authors: Pérez-Aguilar, Henoc, Hernández-Fernández, Carlota, Arán-Ais, Francisca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biostimulants; Crop productivity enhancement; Enzymatic hydrolysis; Free amino acids; Protein hydrolysates; Waste valorisation
• ISSN: 2214-7144; 2214-7144
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.106120

Free amino acids-based biostimulants are increasingly used in modern agriculture for their ability to stimulate plant growth, improve crop productivity, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers. This study introduces a novel and sustainable approach using enzymatic hydrolysis to recover high-value protein from animal by-product wastewater while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers. This innovative process produced protein hydrolysates rich in free amino acids, making them suitable for biostimulant applications. Enzymatic hydrolysis achieved protein concentrations of 87–93 % and free amino acid levels ranging from 3.63 to 6.55 %. The resulting protein hydrolysates, rich in key amino acids such as arginine, glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine, demonstrated promising biostimulant properties by enhancing the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis) seeds by 19–27 % with biostimulant dilutions of 0.015–0.1 %. This research underscores the efficacy of enzymatic hydrolysis for protein recovery and its potential to enhance sustainable agricultural practices. By converting waste into valuable agricultural inputs, this approach supports the circular bioeconomy and aligns with environmental sustainability goals, offering a scalable solution to waste management challenges and providing a viable pathway for developing eco-friendly biostimulants. [Display omitted] •Protein recovery reaches 79–92 % from wastewater.•Hydrolysates enhance Chinese cabbage growth by 19–27 %.•Key amino acids include arginine, glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine (7–13 %).•Circular bioeconomy converts waste to valuable inputs.•Enzymatic hydrolysis supports eco-friendly biostimulant development.