Estudo comparativo da utilização de resíduo de telhas cerâmicas e Moringa oleifera Lam. como etapa de finalização na clarificação de fermentado de cana-de-açúcar

Abstract

This study investigated the use of ceramic tile waste and the natural coagulant Moringa oleifera Lam. as sustainable and economical alternatives for the clarification of sugarcane alcoholic fermentate, traditionally done with bentonite clays. The ceramic tile waste was characterized through sieve analysis. Moringa seeds were prepared to act as a coagulant. Physical and chemical analyses were conducted on sugarcane juice, fermentate, fermentate with added moringa coagulant, and with added pulverized ceramic residues retained on sieves with mesh openings of 425 µm, 250 µm, 150 µm, and 75 µm. Tests were carried out regarding apparent color, turbidity, pH, total solids, and metals. The treated samples were also analyzed for alcohol content and BET testing. It was observed that all treatments contributed to the clarification of the sample, with emphasis on ceramic residues RC #425 µm and RC #250 µm, which demonstrated greater efficiency in reducing turbidity and apparent color. The treatment with Moringa, although effective in impurity removal, showed the greatest increase in electrical conductivity, indicating a significant release of soluble salts. Treatments with fermentation maintained relatively stable pH and conductivity values, acting moderately on the analyzed parameters. The combination of both materials demonstrated efficiency in clarification, resulting in a cleaner fermentate with lower environmental cost. This process aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), showing itself as a promising and viable alternative for the alcoholic beverage industry and the biofuel sector.