Areca sheath industrial waste valorization: resource mapping, physiochemical parameters, and heavy metal analysis

India’s areca nut tree-based processing industry yields a significant annual waste volume estimated between 4.5 and 5.4 million tons in the form of areca sheaths. Efforts to repurpose these sheaths as sustainable alternatives to plastic materials like cups, plates, and boxes are gaining traction, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of such waste. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, this research investigates the factors influencing the geographic distribution of enterprises utilizing areca sheath-based products across diverse Indian regions. The physiochemical properties of discarded areca sheaths and various by products from small and medium enterprises were thoroughly examined. The analysis uncovers substantial potential in harnessing areca waste resources. Findings from characterization studies reveal a notable abundance of fiber content, approximately 35.14 ± 1.25%, while exhibiting relatively lower levels of protein (around 3.45 ± 0.78), ether extract (roughly 2.71 ± 0.56), and a total phenolic content of 2.72 ± 0.54 mg GAE per gram. Furthermore, the study employs ICP-MS to delve into the mineral elements and heavy metal contents within the ASW. The sequence of macro factors observed in the analysis followed the order: K > Ca > P > Mg > S > Mn > Zn > Na > Fe > B > Cu. Distinct Fe, Mn, Zn, and B concentrations were identified, ranging between 2376 and 72.33 μg·g⁻¹. This research illuminates the environmental implications of these wastes and emphasizes potential avenues for recycling and reusing, advocating for a more sustainable approach to managing agricultural byproducts.