Biotech Updates

Oman Researchers to Produce Biofuels from Paper Waste

March 4, 2015
http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Researchers-look-into-potential-of-making-biofuel-from-waste-paper-3umr#ixzz3TDBuAB7I

Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) are trying to produce biofuels and bioplastic from paper waste. The study began this January and will be conducted by setting up a pilot scale bioprocessing laboratory at the college's biology department.

"A major part of the municipal waste in Oman and any part of the world comprises paper. The proposed research is a unique and challenging attempt to manage the growing quantity of paper waste which is an environmental and health concern in any country. We will find out if this waste could be used to produce biofuel and bioplastic," said principal investigator and assistant professor, Dr Sivakumar Nallusamy.

Microbes will be collected from different environments and will be tested for their cellulase producing capabilities. The best performing microbes would then be used for the bioconversion of paper wastes.

The project will be funded by The Research Council till 2017. This project could open avenues for large scale production if taken up by industries.