Banana Peduncle Waste Conversion: Investigating the Feasibility of Charcoal Briquettes for Sustainable Energy Production

Abstract

Considering the escalating demand for fossil fuels and the depletion of natural resources, the imperative for environmental sustainability has never been more pressing. In response to this need, innovative solutions for repurposing waste materials have garnered attention for their potential to address environmental concerns while providing alternative energy sources. Meanwhile, there is still a lack of exploration into using banana by-products like its peduncle. By turning waste materials such as banana peduncles into charcoal can address waste problems that can harm the environment as well as contribute to an additional source of energy. This study aims to produce a briquette utilizing the banana peduncle as well as to test its effectiveness in its flammability. The researchers tested the peduncle briquette in terms of its (1) characterization of peduncle briquettes, (2) ignition time, and (3) burning rate. The researchers made the banana peduncle briquette by drying the peduncle, crushing, molding, pressing, and leaving it to sun-dry for 24 hours. When the peduncle briquette was successfully made, the researchers then proceeded to test its flammability through boiling water. After testing, the researchers came to conclude that banana peduncle can be an effective material for briquette and can burn enough to use it for cooking. The results of this research highlight the promise of banana peduncle briquettes as a practical substitute for fossil fuels. These briquettes not only tackle waste management issues by repurposing agricultural byproducts but also provide a sustainable energy option that helps reduce the environmental impact linked to conventional fuel usage. As the quest for sustainable energy alternatives intensifies, leveraging agricultural waste for charcoal briquette production emerges as a hopeful avenue toward a more eco-friendly and sustainable tomorrow.