Agriculture is a significant contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of many countries. The sub-Saharan Africa region is one of the most prominent examples where agriculture not only plays a crucial role in economic growth but also serves as the primary source of livelihood for a large portion of the rural population (Modi, 2019; Sassi, 2023). Despite this, a significant challenge in the sector is the prevalence of crude, unsustainable practices and the inefficient utilization of bioresources (Gérard, 2020). Notably, several processes during plant or crop harvesting and postharvesting, whether from domestic or commercial food production, often generate tremendous amounts of organic waste (Tamasiga et al., 2022). This problem is exacerbated by the lack of appropriate policies, infrastructures, and waste management practices in many rural and even urban areas across sub-Saharan Africa, thus contributing to environmental pollution in the regions. On the contrary, these organic by-products (i.e., food and/or agricultural waste) have potential as a valuable biomass resource; however, in the subcontinental Africa region, they still remain vastly underutilized. Nevertheless, the significant advances in the conversion of agricultural and food waste for valorization open up mediums for possible innovation in managing, upcycling, and utilizing waste for crop productivity while reducing negative environmental impact (Bhat, 2021; Mohd et al., 2022; Ribeiro et al., 2022).

Over the years, the concept of upcycling and valorization of food waste, especially from plant parts such as seeds, fruits, and vegetative parts, has gained traction (Bos-Brouwers et al., 2012; Sagar et al., 2018). These extends beyond food production to industrial processes such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, manufacturing, construction, and energy, among others. For instance, constituents such as cellulose, phytochemicals, and macromolecules are recovered from grains/seeds processing by-products using different physical, chemical, and biological methods (Burange et al., 2016). These constituents have found use for applications related to the development of drugs and/or drug discovery, personal care products, packaging materials, textiles, biofuels, organic fertilizers, biocomposite, hydrocolloids, and additives in food, among others. Representative reviews of these have been accounted for by numerous reports (Lemes et al., 2022; Nguyen et al., 2023; Rao and Rathod, 2019; Rațu et al., 2023). Most of the recorded progress in this field of food waste valorization across the world is notably driven by advancements in regional research and industrial collaboration. In contrast, aside from already known traditional practices of upcycling food by-products, there is a general marginalization of interest in conventional food crops indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. This is evident in the limited investigation and reporting on their development (Akinola et al., 2020; Ngwasiri et al., 2022), with even less focus on the valorization of food waste from these sources. This lack of research hinders the realization of the potential of such waste, which could significantly contribute to sustainable and healthy food systems in the region.

Parkia biglobosa is a socioeconomically and culturally significant tree legume in West Africa, particularly valued for its seeds, which are used to produce various popular regional condiments (Parkouda et al., 2009). Aside from its culinary use, the seed condiments are attributed to have therapeutic properties suited for consumers as a healthier alternative to commercial food additives and flavor enhancers such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) (Musara et al., 2020; Shahidah et al., 2019). These factors have created a growing demand for P. biglobosa condiments and a source of income for local communities. However, an increase in the usage of P. biglobosa condiments is projected to result in an increase in food waste output, and this presents a significant challenge to waste management. Meanwhile, despite the advances in mechanized production processes of P. biglobosa condiments, crude and tedious methods of processing are still rampant (Coulibaly Diakite et al., 2020; Okunola et al., 2019; Olaniran et al., 2020). Even at present, the burden of waste from processing the seeds of P. biglobosa has, in no small measure, contributed to land, soil, and water pollution (Amusat et al., 2020). General preconceptions about the waste from processing the seed of P. biglobosa have been trailed by some negative presumptions as a pollutant—characterized by the pungent smell from processing locations and potential harm to the environment. The challenge related to P. biglobosa seed waste management also extends to the preprocessing of seed, resulting in the accumulation of biomass in the form of empty pods and pulp (Ibraheem et al., 2022; Ojewumi et al., 2017). Similar waste generation challenges have been described in Pentaclethra macrophylla, which is another indigenous legume plant in the region (Nsude et al., 2022). With respect to this, cultural perceptions of waste management play a crucial role, as most rural communities across West Africa have traditional practices (i.e., indiscriminate waste disposal) that largely do not align with modern waste management techniques (Roberts and Okereke, 2017). Conventional agricultural waste disposal methods have historically favored simplicity and low initial costs but often result in environmental issues such as land degradation and methane emissions. Nevertheless, emerging studies are focusing on improving waste management practices through biomass conversion technologies and nutrient recycling, emphasizing the upcycling and valorization of food waste to mitigate losses associated with traditional methods.

The potential of valorizing waste from the processing of P. biglobosa seeds is indicative of the use of its effluent in traditional/local settings as pest control. Research studies have similarly reported on potential antibacterial activity, conversion into nanoparticles for clothing, and adsorptive properties of the dehulled seed coat, among others (Aguda and Lateef, 2021; Amusat et al., 2022; Babalola et al., 2016; Olukunle et al., 2019). More attention should be diverted to studies on effective means to repurpose such food waste and by-products in maximizing the use of their bioactive natural product for economic benefit. Such measures are to be taken in the context of “Quantitative Bioeconomy” as outlined by the USADEL LAB. The goal is to establish or optimize the use of plants and agricultural or horticultural plant residuals for the extraction of plant compounds to support the bioeconomy. This is, similarly, in line with the United Nations SDG Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), among others. Thus, this study aimed to quantify the amount of waste generated from the processing of P. biglobosa seed in condiment production and subsequently characterize its constituent for potential as a biomass resource for valorization.

The conception and design of this research on the processing of P. biglobosa seeds into condiments and the valorization of its waste aimed to address various aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Developmental Goal, particularly in promoting responsible consumption and production (Goal 12). The standardization of the P. biglobosa seed processing, as shown in Figure 1, was based on progressive research conducted on its potential for mechanized production and energy conservation. The traditional process of converting P. biglobosa seeds into condiments typically takes more than 12 h (Ugwuanyi and Okpara, 2019), requires high temperatures exceeding 100°C, and consumes large amounts of water due to evaporation and other factors. This study used the steam pressure-cooking method, which resulted in a total time of less than 4 h of boiling. By employing the steam pressure-cooking method, the process was able to significantly reduce water consumption and energy wastage during the processing stages. Previous research by Olaniran et al. (2020) for mechanically dehulling at 398 rpm recommended 2 h as the optimum duration using a pressure cooker in the first boiling stage. Similarly, Ajayi et al. (2015), in an effort to develop shelf-stable “Iru”—a Yoruba variety of the P. biglobosa condiment into bouillon cubes, reported a modified procedure of first cooking for 2 h and then de-hulling and boiling again for 30 min. However, the preliminary investigation in this study on processing time for optimal manual dehulling in this study was 3 h after the first boiling, which was comparability similar to the protocol by Omodara and Aderibigbe (2018). The need for optimum energy optimization coupled with other factors, such as extraction of phytochemicals, was taken into consideration in the determination of the final boiling time and extraction protocol in the processing of the P. biglobosa seeds.

In this study, notable characteristics of the waste by-products were observed from P. biglobosa seeds processing, which is relevant for its valorization. Figure 2 presents the results of the condiments obtained, showing the relative weight and quantification of the amount of waste generated. The final dried seed condiment comprised only 33.73% of the processed whole P. biglobosa seeds while the remaining 66.27% is considered as waste. Of these, the dried seed coat/testa constituent was 23.19%, and the effluents from the first and second stages of boiling were 27.39 and 2.08%, respectively. Relative to the weight of the processed seeds, 13.62% could be considered unrecovered matter, attributed to losses during sample handling, fermentation of the condiment, and moisture differences from the dried seed materials initially used in the processing. The high percentage of seed waste generated highlights the need to develop value-added applications for these by-products, ultimately improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of the food processing system. The first effluent [first effluent stage (EF1)] from the seed processing had a sticky texture, chocolate-like aroma, and dark brown color after concentration and drying. In contrast, the concentrated effluent from the EF2 displayed a crispier texture, lacked a distinct smell, and had a lighter color. These physicochemical differences indicate variation in phytoconstituents based on the boiling stage, as the first stage of boiling likely extracted more soluble compounds from the seeds, resulting in a more flavorful effluent after concentration. The chocolate-like aroma in EF1 could be attributed to Maillard reaction products typically found in some browned foods and cocoa bean processing. These compounds form as a result of interactions between amino acids and reducing sugars at high temperatures, resulting in a complex mixture of aromatic compounds (Shakoor et al., 2022). A report had previously indicated a similar characteristic smell in raw, roasted seeds of P. biglobosa known as either “Sudan coffee” or “café nègre” (Musara et al., 2020). This aromatic smell is similarly observed in the roasting of cocoa beans and the processing of other tree legumes (seeds and pod products), such as Ceratonia siliqua L (i.e., locust bean gum or carob powder), which have been recommended as a potential cocoa substitute (Loullis and Pinakoulaki, 2018; Quelal et al., 2023). These findings on the shared aroma characteristics between P. biglobosa seeds and these other tree legume seeds open up possibilities for further exploration and utilization of its by-products in various applications, similar to cocoa beans and locust bean gum; which have been well-developed for use in a range of industrial purposes related to flavor enhancement and flavor substitute for chocolate in food, cosmetics, shoe polish, insecticides among other application. Similarly, the starchy nature of the effluent when in contact with any piece of clothing/textile indicates the presence of starch-like compounds, which could potentially be utilized in textile sizing or as a stiffening agent. Locally, at the grassroots farm settings, this property might be harnessed as a binder in briquettes, contributing to the durability, density, and calorific value of biomass briquettes for domestic applications (Demeke et al., 2023; Ezéchiel et al., 2022). Indigenous communities in northern Nigeria have traditionally used locust bean pod waste and extracts as a sustainable construction material for building protection, as a binder, and as a soil enhancer (Bala, 2022). Notable examples of such sites include the ancient Gidan Makama and the city fencing of Kofar Na’isa, among others.

Further observations included the short and fibrous texture of the seed coats, along with their moisture absorbance capacity, which exceeded double their final dried weight at room temperature. In comparison, the processed wet cotyledon product also exhibited a significantly high moisture absorbance, approximately 3 times that of the final dried condiment. The moisture content analysis revealed that the dried condiment had a moisture content of 6.36 ± 0.09, while the seed coat samples showed a moisture content of 8.20 ± 0.08%. Similar to seed coats from another legume bean, the P. biglobosa seed coats have potential applications in moisture absorption, feed inclusion (as a source of dietary fiber), paper production, or as a filler in composite materials and other related sustainable agriculture practices. For example, a recent report by Babalola et al. (2016) suggested that dried seed coat waste and its cellulosic extract have potential applications in removing harmful metals and dyes from an aqueous environment. An increase in seed coat from similar legumes, such as soybean, in texturized vegetable protein has also been reported to lead to higher water absorption (Park et al., 2023). Another proximate result from P. biglobosa seed processing, as shown in Table 1, indicates that the dried seed coat has a higher fiber content (15.03 ± 0.13%) than the condiments (9.07 ± 0.10%). This is consistent with the fact that seed coats generally contain greater amounts of structural carbohydrates. Attuquaye et al. (2023) indicated the presence of some phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds, in P. biglobosa seed coat. Seed coats from lupin beans have been reported as a potentially valuable food ingredient due to their high dietary fiber content (79.84–86.59% total dietary fiber) among other properties (Zhong et al., 2020), and faba bean (Vicia faba) husk has been recommended for use in animal feed (Krenz et al., 2023), whereas fiber and cellulose from other legumes bean seed coat have been reported to have potential application for use as eco-paper for food packaging (Tassoni et al., 2020). While the seed coat shows promise as a possible ingredient in food ingredient and animal feed, caution and additional research would be appropriate in determining safety levels as legumes are known to have high amounts of antinutritive factors (Akinbisoye et al., 2024; Zhong et al., 2018). The higher crude fat content in the seed coat (8.37 ± 0.11%) than in the condiment (5.27 ± 0.11%), might have been influenced by the process of boiling, fermentation, and postprocessing, especially of the condiment. Conversely, the results of other higher proximate content, such as ash—2.83 ± 0.08% in the condiment and 2.47 ± 0.09% in the seed coat; protein—22.05 ± 0.12% in the condiment and 19.65 ± 0.10% in the seed coat; carbohydrate content—54.43 ± 0.17% in the condiment and 46.28 ± 0.24% in the seed coat; and total calculated energy—353.35 kcal/g for the condiment and 339.05 kcal/g for the seed coat, are consistent in support the use of the condiments as food. The proximate results are consistent with reports on similar legume plants, particularly regarding fiber content observed in the seed coat and starch as the main component in the dry matter of legumes, although protein content in legumes is generally significantly higher compared to reported in grain (Ozolina et al., 2023). Furthermore, the results of the mineral composition reveal that both the condiment and seed coat are good sources of calcium (9.96 mg/g in condiment and 8.893 mg/g in seed coat), magnesium (3.67 mg/g in condiment and 4.08 mg/g in seed coat), iron (2.01 mg/g in condiment and 2.23 mg/g in seed coat), and zinc (0.08 mg/g in condiment and 0.05 mg/g in seed coat), all which are beneficial for bone health, other physiological functions and metabolism, thus useful for biofortification (Kamboj and Nanda, 2018; Kumar and Pandey, 2020). The manganese (Mn) content was 0.08 mg/g in the condiment, while the seed coat contained 0.07 mg/g. Copper (Cu) content in the condiment was 0.03 and 0.03 mg/g in the seed coat. The level of chromium (Cr) content in the condiment was observed to be 0.01 and 0.01 mg/g in the seed coat. The presence of these minerals is significant, as the bioavailability of most minerals in peas is low due to their high phytate content (Kumar and Pandey, 2020). Both the condiment and the seed coat had negligible amounts of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and nickel, indicating that they are safe for consumption and can be considered for various food and non-food applications (Pastor et al., 2024).

A qualitative screening test on the effluents generated during the processing of P. biglobosa seeds identified the presence of carbohydrates and fatty acids (i.e., oil), shown in Table 2. The Molisch test—a general test for the presence of carbohydrates—was positive for both effluent samples EF1 and EF2. However, the negative results for reducing sugars such as monosaccharides and/or simple reducing disaccharides using the Fehling and Barfoed’s tests imply that the carbohydrates present are likely complex or non-reducing (Pandey et al., 2020). A qualitative test for protein was negative in the three protocols used for detection (Millon’s, Ninhydrin, and Biuret) in both effluents. This is somewhat surprising given that P. biglobosa seeds are reported to contain a significant protein content. It could be suggested that high temperatures during the boiling process could have potentially caused denaturation and precipitation of leached protein, thus they would not be detected in the effluent; cooking along with another processing step in legume beans such as soybean is known to be important in enhancing protein hydrolysis and reducing antinutritional compounds (Kohli and Singha, 2024; Zahir et al., 2020). Conversely, it is also possible that the protein content is primarily retained within the seed itself and not significantly released into the effluent (liquid phase) during the boiling process. Proteins in seeds are often embedded in a matrix that requires specific conditions to be broken down, such as enzymatic activity during germination or, in this case, specific processing methods such as fermentation. An additional notable finding is the presence of oils and fats as detected in both samples using the Sudan test in both EF1 and EF2 samples. Oils and fats play crucial roles as biomolecules with a wide range of biological functions, they have diverse applications in food and other industries. Their varied applications extend to the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sectors, where they are typically employed as excipients, co-adjuvants, transdermal carriers, and skin emollients of importance in various formulations (Godlewska et al., 2022). Thus, the identification of oils and fats in the P. biglobosa seed effluent suggests that it could be a potential source of valuable lipid-based compounds and could be extracted for utilization in various related applications (Table 2).

The FTIR screening provides a qualitative assessment of the functional groups present in the concentrated effluents. The results suggest the presence of alcohols, alkenes, aromatic rings, carboxylic acids, and amines in the samples. A previous study by Aguda and Lateef (2021), also reported that various functional groups in the effluents from P. biglobosa seed were involved in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. For this study, the FTIR spectra from the screening of the wavelength of functional groups in concentrated effluents are presented in Figure 3. In the analytical region, strong and broad peaks at 3385.37 cm⁻¹ and 3404.48 cm⁻¹ were observed for EF1 and EF2, respectively. These peaks correspond to the O–H stretching functional group, which suggests the presence of alcohols, and the broadness of these peaks reflects hydrogen bonding effects in both samples. Phenolic compounds are known phytochemicals that contain hydroxyl groups and possess a range of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other biological activities (Sukhikh et al., 2022). At a wavelength of 2935.17 cm⁻¹, a medium peak is representative of the C–H stretching functional group. The presence of C–H groups indicates the molecule’s overall hydrophobic character, which may influence the solubility, absorption, bioavailability, and membrane interaction in antimicrobial development (Hornemann et al., 2022; Monroe et al., 2020). Furthermore, peaks at 1606.98 and 1643.99 cm⁻¹ for EF1 and EF2, respectively, are representative of the C=C stretching functional group for alkene and aromatic rings. Aromatic compounds are a class of cyclic, planar, and highly stable organic molecules that are widely found in natural products. The aromatic rings can serve as building blocks for the synthesis of more complex molecules and contribute to the biological activity and pharmacological properties of plant secondary metabolites (Suástegui and Shao, 2016). On the contrary, at the fingerprint region, medium peaks of 1401.88 cm⁻¹ for EF1 and 1402.21 cm⁻¹ for EF2 represent functional groups such as carboxylic acid and alcohol. At wavelengths of 1101.18 and 1078.16 cm⁻¹ for EF1 and EF2, respectively, the medium peak is representative of C–N stretching (amine). Although the fingerprint region is highly informative and particularly significant, its interpretation can be somewhat probabilistic. Carboxylic acids, for example, are versatile and can participate in various organic reactions, such as esterification, amination, and reduction, making them valuable intermediates in organic synthesis. Regarding bioactivity, the presence of carboxylic acid in citric acid powder was suggested to be responsible for its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as reported by Hilmi et al. (2019). The mechanism behind this activity involves the reduction of the local pH in bacteria, which leads to changes in bacterial membrane permeability. This change in permeability affects substrate transportation, ultimately leading to bacterial death. Similarly, the amine functional screened in the effluent FTIR, as opposed to the absence of protein detection in qualitative phytochemical tests, is indicative of compounds with nitrogen-containing functional groups, which could have different biological activities compared to proteins. The bioactivity of amines includes various enzymatic reactions, receptor interactions, and other biological macromolecules, reflecting their therapeutic profiles. Amines from plants, such as those found in Aloe species, exhibit therapeutic potential in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical applications (Yadeta, 2024). However, in application, excessive consumption of certain biogenic amines can lead to toxicological effects, necessitating careful monitoring and analysis (Kabir et al., 2020).

The GC–MS analysis of the P. biglobosa seed effluent identified some noteworthy chemical compounds in the two extracts, especially fatty acids, most of which have known applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. In the first effluent (EF1), shown in Table 3 Card-20(22)-enolide (C₄₁H₆₄O₁₃) was identified at a proportion of 10.93%, followed by methyl 4-O-methyl-d-arabinopyranoside (C₇H₁₄O₅) at 10.11%, and methyl 4-O-methyl-d-mannoside (C₇H₁₄O₆) at 3.87%. Important fatty acids such as pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (C₁₇H₃₄O₂) accounted for 5.85%, while n-hexadecanoic acid (C₁₆H₃₂O₂) was the most abundant at 19.30%. N-Hexadecanoic acid (i.e., palmitic acid) is a saturated fatty acid prevalent in natural fats and oils with nutritional significance. Its derivative, sodium palmitate, is widely used in cosmetics for its emollient properties. Recent studies have challenged historical negative health associations of palmitic acid, revealing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-boosting, and potential antitumor effects (Wang et al., 2023). Additionally, non-esterified palmitic acid exhibits bioactivity, mediating several biochemical and antimicrobial pathways to improve human health (Johnson and Abugri, 2014). Similarly, the fatty acid pentadecanoic acid, demonstrates safer and more extensive clinically relevant activities, particularly in reducing inflammation (Venn-Watson and Schork, 2023). Other identified compounds in the first effluent included 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (E,E)- (C₁₉H₃₄O₂, 4.57%), 11-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (C₁₉H₃₆O₂, 5.88%), and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (C₁₈H₃₂O₂, 11.82%), which indicates the diversity of fatty acids in the seed effluents. For example, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- commonly referred to as α-Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for human health is found in plant seeds and proposed to serve as a functional food ingredient and dietary supplements in disease management (Yuan et al., 2014). Furthermore, GC–MS characterization of the first effluent indicated cannabidiol (C₂₁H₃₀O₂) in two peaks, with relative areas of 12.63 and 15.04%. Cannabidiol is a known non-psychoactive, which makes it a compound of interest for potential therapeutic applications without the psychoactive effects (Campos et al., 2016; Martinez Naya et al., 2023). Thus, cannabidiol in the effluent from P. biglobosa seeds suggests potential health benefits and applications in nutraceuticals.

In the EF2 from P. biglobosa seed processing, GC–MS characterization indicated the abundance of squalene, shown in Table 4 which comprised 44.09% of the total area. Squalene is a triterpene compound and a precursor in sterol biosynthesis and has gained attention for its diverse applications in skin protection in cosmetics, as well as for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes. It is found in various natural sources, including deep-sea shark liver oil and several plant oils (Popa et al., 2015; Sumi et al., 2018). Similarly, Friedelan-3-one, another triterpenoid compound, was detected in various peaks, accounting for 31.06, 3.56, 1.64, and 2.08% of the total area. Friedelan-3-one exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, with potential applications in agriculture due to its anti-insect effects (Singh et al., 2023). An in vitro report by Odeh et al. (2016) on friedelan-3-one from Pterocarpus santalinoides, demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida tropicalis, among others. Other compounds identified in the second effluent from P. biglobosa seed processing included hexadecane (2.30%), hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (2.98%), methyl stearate (3.61%), nonacos-1-ene (5.67%), 2,4,7,14-tetramethyl-4-vinyl-tricyclo[5.4.3.0(1,8)]tetradecan-6-ol (1.68%), and ethene, 1-(anthracen-9-yl)-2-(5-nitro-1-naphthyl)-, (E)- (1.34%). Of these compounds, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (methyl palmitate), is the methyl ester of palmitic acid, which has been identified as a component in various biological sources and studied for its potential applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It demonstrates antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria as characterized in clove alcoholic extract (Shaaban et al., 2021). A study by Cruz et al. (2020) on waste products from citrus essential oil purification has recommended fatty acid methyl esters as a sustainable source for biodiesel production. Methyl stearate, a fatty acid ester, specifically derived from stearic acid, has been reported to effectively inhibit Meloidogyne incognita in nematode management, reducing egg hatching and juvenile nematode survival while promoting banana plant growth (Lu et al., 2020). As a biodiesel component, it demonstrates favorable chemical kinetics (Naik et al., 2011). Its fatty acid characteristics also point to its potential use in cosmetic products, particularly for its emulsion properties and ability to improve product consistency.

The compounds identified from this study also help in re-examining previous discussions on the bioactivity of P. biglobosa (jacq) benth seed effluent and extracts, such as termiticidal activity, toxicity, and antibacterial activity. Studies by Olugbemi (2012) and Ojewumi et al. (2017) reported varied levels of termiticidal activity, although they employed different extraction methods and solvents on pulverized seeds of P. biglobosa. Although, the reported methodology by the authors are in contract to the by-product effluent from the aqueous boiling of whole seeds used in the traditional setting for termite control, as modeled in the present study. The study by Olugbemi (2012) specifically suggested that the presence of some heavy metals, as well as the interacting polar organic compounds in the seed extracts, was responsible for the termiticidal activity. However, observation from this study suggests that in addition to the possible presence of identified heavy metals, the GC–MS compounds identified could also have a significant effect on the termiticidal activity, especially as they relate directly to the traditional use of the effluent. Other studies indicating the bioactivity of effluents from P. biglobosa seed processing include research on biotoxicity in fish (Clarias gariepinus) (Amusat et al., 2020; Ojutiku et al., 2012) and potential in vitro antibacterial activity (Olukunle et al., 2019). Some results from these studies might be presumptive, especially as effluents were collected from local processing centers, and various factors, including the quality of water used, could have influenced results. The significant progress in the application of effluent from P. biglobosa seed processing is the synthesis of nanoparticles possessing antimicrobial activities for use in textiles. Thus, based on these reports and observed characterization results, the identified compounds could be explored for their potential use as natural additives in cosmetics, sources of pharmacological compounds, antimicrobial, eco-friendly pesticides, and preservatives, providing a safer alternative to synthetic chemicals. The potential economic benefit of valorization of the seed waste generated from P. biglobosa seed processing includes substantial reductions in environmental waste, the creation of new products of value, and additional job opportunities/diversified income streams for local communities. Furthermore, there is a consistent demand for the traditional P. biglobosa condiments across West Africa. This prompts for an easily scalable model, which can facilitate the integration of valorized products into existing supply chains.

This study on the potential valorization of food waste from P. biglobosa seed processing is justifiable based on the significant waste (66.27%) of the processed seeds not consumed, highlighting an opportunity for waste recovery and utilization. Various parts of the seed components can be repurposed; for example, the fibrous seed coat can be used as a biocomposite, a biodegradable material, or incorporated into animal feed. The effluent’s unique aromatic chocolate smell and the presence of characterized compounds can be used in food flavoring, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This could serve as a model across sub-Saharan Africa in converting food waste into valuable products as the region aspires to embrace sustainable practices and align with the global waste-to-wealth initiative. Future research should focus on specific optimization techniques and bioconversion for these by-products to maximize their industrial potential.