Environmental implications of using waste from sugarcane industry in agriculture

Abstract

The ethanol industry is of great importance to the Brazilian economy since the sugarcane is one of the most important monocultures in the country. Although its activities are regulated by numerous rules in order to minimize the environmental impacts, the sector is worried about the amount of waste that results from the sugar and alcohol production process. Among the waste from this process, the bagasse, filter cake and vinasse can be highlighted. The environmental impacts of using these waste/byproducts in the agriculture are still not completely elucidated and have been emphasized, mainly due to the adverse effects on the aquatic and soil environments. Thus, the present chapter will gather the available data regarding the use of bagasse, filter cake and vinasse, highlighting their chemical characteristics, the effects on the soil and aquatic environments due to its use in agriculture.