Uso sustentável de óleo residual de fritura: abordagens socioambientais e experimentais no ensino de química

Abstract

The growing concern about the environmental impacts of human activities is encouraging the advancement of technologies for modifying used oils and fats, as these originate from the degradation of vegetable oils used in the food industry and represent a significant source of environmental damage. This oil, when no longer suitable for frying, is frequently disposed of improperly, compromising terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In order to seek more sustainable alternatives, due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves coupled with rising oil prices, we are investigating options to explore this everexpanding market niche. Vegetable oils are renewable, favorable, and very promising sources due to their wide availability, cost-effectiveness, and lack of toxicity. Conversely, their valorization through technological routes such as transesterification for biodiesel production, enzymatic treatment, and soap manufacturing represents an environmentally viable and economically promising strategy. This work is structured as a literature review article, which explores recycling methodologies for waste from discarded vegetable oils, using a more scientific approach. It also includes a book chapter that addresses concerns about the environmental impacts of human activities, particularly the disposal of vegetable oils, which have driven the search for sustainable solutions such as soap production, biodiesel production, and enzymatic treatment, combined with the study of chemistry. This can be significantly enriched through practical activities and school projects that integrate theoretical knowledge with experimental applications, promoting effective learning and the development of critical thinking.