More than a by-product: Scientific advances on the valorization of rice straw for a greener future

This review examines the various alternative uses of rice straw, a lignocellulosic waste material with potential for a multitude of industrial applications. Rice straw has traditionally been disposed of by burning, a practice that contributes to environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation. However, this agricultural by-product possesses chemical, physical and biological characteristics that make it suitable for a variety of sustainable applications, such as biochar production, pollutant removal, biofuel and energy generation, soil treatment and improvement in agriculture, and in sectors such as construction, paper manufacturing and bioactive compounds. For this review, the AIReviewer, a tool based on artificial intelligence, was used to group 2713 research articles into 17 thematic clusters that were subsequently regrouped into four large thematic groups, providing a more exhaustive and objective analysis that avoids search biases from the researchers. The use of this tool has facilitated an unbiased and detailed state-of-the-art compilation of the valorization possibilities of this agricultural waste, also allowing us to address the trends and challenges facing more sustainable alternatives to the traditional practice of rice straw burning. • Rice straw valorization can be a sustainable alternative to traditional burning practices. • The alternative uses several industrial applications. • Rice straw-derived products are effective in the removal of contaminants from water and soil. • Rice straw is a versatile resource for producing different biofuels. • Rice straw can contribute to sustainable agriculture and friendly farming systems.