Food waste processing

In this chapter we will consider the following as examples of radiation chemical applications (1) dosimetry, (2) industrial synthesis and processing, (3) irradiation of food, waste, and medical equipment, and (4) low-energy ion interaction with matter. Dosimetry is of fundamental importance for yield calculations and also for personnel exposure. Industrial processing would include... 

Chapters 1 through 6 outline our understanding of the enzymes necessary or potentially useful for biomass conversion. Included are chapters on fuels and chemical feedstock production, pulp and paper processing, waste processing and degradation, food processing, and specific classes of alkali or thermostable enzymes. 

In the field of bioremediation, oxidoreductases are considered to be excellent biocatalysts for environmentally friendly processes. Laccases and peroxidases are widely used to treat effluents from pulp/cotton mills, food/fruit processing plants and breweries [1, 2, 37]. Laccases, peroxidases and other oxygenases are also being studied for their abihty to degrade hazardous coal substances, especially the sulfur-containing components, and in the treatment of industrial waste and contaminated soil and water in the transformation of xenobiotics, polycycHc aromatic hydrocarbons and other pollutants (biodetoxification and biodecontamination)... 

The literature involving the further processing (e.g. fermentation, enzymatic or thermal processing) of a food waste stream to produce a flavouring is mentioned in two examples but discussion is limited. 

Whey hydrolysis and dairy waste processing for production of food ingredients [116] production of glucose, galactose, substrates for alcohol and ascorbic acid production [64] Solubilization of fish, meat, and leather remains, production of protein hydrolysates [64,65]... 

Any post-consumer plastic stream will contain some halogens in the form of polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, brominated flame retardants, halogenated additives, food waste, or salt. Therefore, two issues must be considered. First, the gas stream resulting from the depolymerization of plastics must be scrubbed to remove any halogenated gases to satisfy emissions controls. Second, halogens in the liquid product must be minimized to increase its value and marketability. Therefore the Conrad process has been developed. It is a robust process unit that can accommodate a variable feedstream and produce a consistent product, free of nonhydrocarbon impurities by low feed preparation costs. 

Enzymes are the active components in the cells, where they induce the chemical transformations. They can be removed from the cells without loss of activity and sold as separate products. These isolated enzymes are used in many industrial processes, especially in food production. They are more stable and easier to handle than the original microorganisms from which they were isolated. The enzymes are often obtained from the waste bacterial biomass that remains after food fermentation processes. 

Composting—The process by which organic waste, such as yard waste, food waste, and paper, is broken down by microorganisms and turned into a useful product for improving soil. 

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