Exploring the potential of fish waste (Sardinella fimbriata) through pyrolysis: A study of kinetics and thermodynamics using isoconversional methods

The growing global demand for fish has led to an increase in fish waste (FW) production, necessitating efficient waste management strategies. Pyrolysis is a promising way to convert fish waste into high-value products. To achieve optimal waste mass reduction and gain insights into the pyrolysis process, estimating kinetic parameters is essential. This study investigated the pyrolysis of FW, Sardinella fimbriata, a previously unexplored waste source, using a thermogravimetric analyser. The study determined an average activation energy value of 84–124 kJ/mol using model-free isoconversional methods including Flynn-Wall–Ozawa, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, and Starink, whereas pre-exponential factor values were predicted to be between 10² and 10¹¹ s⁻¹. Further analysis using Criado's reduced master-plot approach showed that the experimental curves for pyrolysis coincided with many different theoretical plots for reaction mechanisms, with a concentration on reaction-order models. The analysis of thermodynamic parameters showed positive values of enthalpy change and Gibbs energy change for S. fimbriata FW pyrolysis, suggesting that the process is endothermic and non-spontaneous, while negative values of entropy change were observed across all conversion degrees as a result of the breakdown of complex organic molecules into simpler compounds. This study provides insights into the feasibility of thermal processes and offers new guidance for FW waste management and resource recovery, expanding the understanding of pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamics for fish waste treatment.