A groundbreaking development by researchers has unlocked the potential to convert wet organic waste into liquid and solid biofuels, eliminating the need for drying the waste first. This innovation has the capacity to generate a significant amount of fuel for consumers at a national level.
While the study was conducted in Israel, it serves as a blueprint for other regions in the world, such as American states and areas in Europe and Canada, that are interested in repurposing bio-organic waste. This includes areas like York Region, Ontario, where organic waste is already being collected and separated at the household level.
Israel, like many other countries, is grappling with a rising waste crisis. In 2019, the country produced approximately 5.8 million tons of municipal waste, averaging 1.76 kg per person per day – 30 percent more than the European average.
This waste generation rate is increasing by approximately 2.6 percent each year. Currently, 80 percent of household waste in Israel is disposed of in landfills. The organic waste component poses a significant challenge, causing environmental harm through various means such as greenhouse gas emissions, leachate formation, and pollution of air, water, and soil, often resulting in unpleasant odors.
Prof. Alexander Golberg, a leader of the study at Tel Aviv University, explains, “Organic waste emits methane, a greenhouse gas, and also contaminates groundwater. Waste management is a critical issue, with landfill sites in Israel approaching capacity. Our solution offers the advantage of reducing the need for more landfill sites, cutting down on municipal expenses for waste transportation and treatment.”
The researchers employed data from a 2018 survey conducted by E. Elimelech and team at the University of Haifa to analyze potential municipal waste in Israel. The survey focused on garbage composition from 190 households in Haifa over a week, revealing that measurable organic waste accounted for 36.4 percent of food waste and 16.4 percent of total household waste.
The research team successfully produced liquid biofuel with a yield of up to 29.3 percent and solid fuel with a yield of up to 40.7 percent based on dry raw material
Ultimately, the production of biofuels from organic waste has the potential to significantly reduce landfill volumes, decrease environmental pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, decrease reliance on oil and coal, and offer a local solution for energy independence and security.
Comments
