Furfural as a low-volume, high-value asset from agricultural residues: A review on production, agricultural applications and environmental sustainability

Authors: PUNDIR, ASHOK - Shoolini University; THAKUR, MOHINDRA - Shoolini University; PRAKASH, SURAJ - Shoolini University; KUMARI, NEERAJ - Shoolini University; SHARMA, NIHARIKA - Shoolini University; He, Zhongqi; Nam, Sunghyun; DHUMAL, SANGRAM - Rcsm College Of Agriculture; SHARMA, KANIKA - The Indian Council Of Agricultural Research (ICAR); SAXENA, SUJATA - The Indian Council Of Agricultural Research (ICAR); KUAR, SUNIL - The Indian Council Of Agricultural Research (ICAR); DESHMUKH, SHEETAL - Bharati Vidyapeeth University; KUMA, MANOJ - The Indian Council Of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

Submitted to: Heliyon
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/22/2024
Publication Date: 7/23/2024
Citation: Pundir, A., Thakur, M.S., Prakash, S., Kumari, N., Sharma, N., He, Z., Nam, S., Dhumal, S., Sharma, K., Saxena, S., Kuar, S., Deshmukh, S.V., Kuma, M. 2024. Furfural as a low-volume, high-value asset from agricultural residues: A review on production, agricultural applications and environmental sustainability. Heliyon. 10(15). Article e35077. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35077.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35077

Interpretive Summary: Furfural is a low-volume, high-value asset made from farm biomass residues including cotton byproducts. This review paper reveals furfural's remarkable versatility and significance as a bio-renewable chemical with applications spanning plastics, pharmaceuticals, agro-chemicals etc. Case studies, especially with cotton biomass byproducts, explain successful furfural implementations, demonstrating its real-world applications and environmental impact. In addition to the scientific challenges, policy recommendations should incentivize research and development, including for those innovations that leverage furfural for improved pest management and reduced reliance on traditional pesticides. Furthermore, promoting furfural's expansion into novel sectors, such as energy and materials, can contribute to economic diversification and sustainability. Ultimately, the integration of scientific advancements and supportive policies aims to provide a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.

Technical Abstract: This comprehensive review explores the different aspects of furfural production from agricultural residues, highlighting its significance as a low-volume, high-value asset with substantial implications for environmental sustainability. It covers varied production technologies, recent advancements, and agricultural applications, evaluating furfural's potential in enhancing crop yield and resilience. The environmental sustainability of furfural production is a focal point, addressing its involvement to a circular economy and its ability to replace conventional petrochemical processes. The review discusses challenges and potential solutions, economic viability, and market trends. Case studies, especially with cotton biomass byproducts, explain successful furfural implementations, demonstrating its real-world applications and environmental impact. The current review explores furfural's unique status as a low-volume, high-value asset derived from agricultural residues. It comprehensively examines furfural production technologies, its diverse applications in agriculture, and its pivotal role in enhancing environmental sustainability, emphasizing its potential to replace conventional petrochemical processes. The study explains with a forward-looking perspective, highlighting the need for continued research, policy support, and the growing role of furfural in agriculture and industry, highlighting its essential contribution to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship