MOL and team Eco Trinity announced the successful production of carbon products-a potential source of energy comparable to wood pellets-from microplastics and microalgae.
As explained, the success of this demonstration shows the potential use of microplastics as an energy resource, and could encourage the collection of microplastics from the ocean to increase production of carbon materials and in turn expand the energy supply.
To remind, MOL’s microplastic collection device, which is under operation for the past 12 months, activates during operation of the ballast water treatment system, with the assumption that collection takes place during cargo handling operations.
During the process, microplastics and microalgae were mixed and heated to 300oC for a certain period of time to decompose the organic matter and produce carbon products.
When the carbon product gained through this demonstration test was subjected to calorific value analysis, the results showed a calorific value of 17.1MJ/kg (1 megajoule (MJ) is about 239 kilo calories), the same level as wood pellets.
For the next generation living on Earth, the MOL Group will work collaboratively and creatively with its partners and stakeholders to effectively address environmental issues.
The group will continue to provide solutions to critical problems such as preservation of the marine environment, protection of biodiversity, and prevention of air pollution, making a concerted effort to ensure the sustainable development of society and conserving the natural environment.
…MOL notes.
For the records, Eco Trinity works toward practical application of systems that generate secure, safe energy, water, and food resources with decentralized autonomous waste treatment devices and microplastic removal technology at the core.
