Caracterização físico-química da casca do abacaxi (Ananas Comosus) visando a utilização como biossorvente.

Abstract

The increased production and processing of fruits has intensified the generation of agro-industrial waste, particularly from pineapple (Ananas comosus), whose industrialization results in the disposal of a large part of the fruit, mainly the peel. When improperly disposed of, this waste can cause environmental impacts, but it has potential for reuse due to its lignocellulosic composition. In this context, biosorption has proven to be a viable and low-cost alternative for the remediation of contaminated environments, using residual biomass as adsorbent materials. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of pineapple peel for its potential use as a biosorbent. The study was conducted in the municipality of Capanema, Pará, with analyses carried out at the Laboratory of Engineering and Environment of the Federal Rural University of the Amazon. The methodology consisted of obtaining biomass through drying and comminution of the peel, followed by determination of moisture content, ash content, apparent and real density, porosity, hydrogen ion potential, point of zero charge, volatile matter content, and fixed carbon. The results indicated that pineapple peel has properties compatible with biosorbent materials, such as acidic character and a structure favorable to adsorption, highlighting its potential for applications in environmental remediation processes. It is concluded that the reuse of pineapple peel represents a sustainable alternative for the valorization of agro-industrial waste and for the development of low-cost environmental solutions.