Estudo de resíduos gordurosos suínos: caracterização físico-química, composição de ácidos graxos e análise do potencial de aproveitamento

Abstract

Brazil stands out as one of the world's leading pork producers, generating significant amounts of waste during the slaughtering process, especially fatty residues. Improper management of these by-products poses environmental and sanitary risks, but their valorization through industrial reuse is a promising alternative. This study aimed to characterize samples of swine fatty residues collected from different stages of processing through physicochemical and spectroscopic analyses in order to evaluate their potential for industrial use. Acidity, peroxide index, and iodine index (based on fatty acid content) were determined using the Adolf Lutz methodology. The fatty acid composition was identified by gas chromatography, and mid-infrared (FTIR) spectra were obtained to explore a rapid classification tool without the need for conventional analyses. However, the spectra did not allow for a clear distinction between samples, which showed advanced oxidation levels—possibly due to the time elapsed between sampling and analysis. A quality index was proposed based on acidity and peroxide values. Multivariate statistical analyses, such as cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), supported the classification attempts. Although the main focus was characterization, the study also discussed the application of these findings in the context of biodiesel production, illustrating the potential for integrating these residues into sustainable industrial chains.