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The production of an organic fertilizer was carried out, from waste generated in the winemaking process of white (Riesling Italian-RI) and red (Cabernet Sauvignon-CS) grapes obtained from the vineyard of Pietroasa (Romania). The potential of the biotransformation process of by-product marc in an open pile in the autumn-winter season was controlled and the thermophilic phase reached average values of 60 ºC at a neutral pH which gives it suitable characteristics to be used as a soil fertiliser. The values of the germination index (GI) of Lepidium sativum L. seeds, using water dilutions from the RI and CS compost marc, demonstrated that there was no degree of phytotoxicity (average GI 144.2% and 139.8%, respectively). The compost marc microflora was represented by bacterial and fungal isolates belonging to genera Rhizopus (10%), Aspergillus (80%), and Penicillium (17%), compared to by-product marc that only present fermentation yeasts. The structure of the microorganism populations in the compost marc dried by lyophilisation showed an almost double number of CFUg-1 compared to the oven-dried compost. The presence of potential antagonistic microorganisms and the high number of CFUg-1, demonstrated that this compost can have a suppressive effect on soil pathogens in addition to its quality as a fertilizer.

In this study, the potential value of dried grape pomace (whole, seed, and skin) obtained from Fetească Neagră (FN) and Tămâioasă Românească (TR) as a source of secondary metabolites was evaluated following hydroethanolic extraction. The total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents of FN and TR extracts have been determined, along with their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The investigation of seeds and the whole pomace FN extracts revealed higher levels of polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content in comparison to those extracted from TR. Fifteen polyphenolic compounds were identified through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis. The most abundant concentrations of catechin and epicatechin were detected in seed and whole pomace extracts derived from both Romanian grape varieties. The antioxidant activity was higher in the whole pomace and skin extracts derived from FN than those derived from TR. The antimicrobial evaluation demonstrated that 15 out of 18 reference pathogenic bacteria exhibited low MIC and MBC values, indicating a strong antibacterial activity of FN and TR extracts. No anti-Candida activity was observed. It can be reasonably deduced that the Fetească Neagră and Tămâioasă Românească by-products represent a sustainable resource for the development of new functional ingredients for the pharmaceutical and food industries, in alignment with the principles of the circular bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the winemaking process, large amounts of waste are produced, including pomace, skin, stalk, wastewater, less and shoots, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation. Grape marc, which accounts for 25% of grape weight and is left over after juice extraction, can be used in a circular approach for green energy, component extraction, energy recovery and a variety of applications such as fuel, alcohol, biosurfactants and composting for natural fertiliser. There are numerous techniques for obtaining a final compost, including static systems (aerated static piles, continuous vertical reactors and in-vessel tunnels) and turned or agitated systems (turned windrow, agitated bed and rotating drum). Enhancing compost value involves co-composting the grape marc with organic byproducts like manures, olive oil industry waste, coffee grounds and more. Vermicomposting, that can be applied indoors and outdoors, yields nutrient-rich organic material for crops efficiently. This method offers advantages such as year-round composting and quicker production of superior-quality nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil extracts from a number of many fruits, nuts and seeds are being used in soap making, cooking, pharmaceutical products and other industries. The seeds of numerous fruits are thrown out as waste despite of their nutritional values. Many of them represent an important source of high quality protein and vitamins. Watermelon seed oil has a large concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. The low acid, peroxide and iodine values of the oil together with some favourable functional properties makes the watermelon seed and seed oil suitable for human use rather than as a waste where the crop is grown in abundance. The study was realized using Soxhlet method and micro-Kjeldahl. Citrullus lanatus seed oil has a lot of nutritional compounds. As mineral content is shown that is rich in phosphorus 30.8 mg, magnesium 2.98 mg and sodium 2.3 mg. The fatty acid composition is predominant by linoleic acid 65.7%, polyunsaturated fatty acid 66.03% and saturated fatty acids 17.87%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The watermelon is a fruit used on a large scale in human nutrition. Cucurbitceae species are a source of many nutrients such as protein, minerals, lipids as well as ingredients for medicine. The main non-edible parts are the seeds and the rind that make them agro-wastes. Watermelon seeds and rind may represent an appropriate tool for the treatment of various diseases in those countries that use a more classical therapeutic approach. In this article is made a brief analysis of the ways to recover the resulted wastes from the cultivation of watermelon. The most promising directions are obtaining the bioactive compounds, biofertilizers and biogas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]