KU researcher fuels new use of wastewater

FuelFix.com
Posted on July 16, 2012 at 6:28 am by Associated Press in biofuels

TOPEKA, Kan. — A University of Kansas researcher wants wastewater to be less so by using it to manufacture biofuel.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reported that assistant professor Belinda Sturm grows algae in nitrogen- and phosphorus-laden Lawrence wastewater that ordinarily is discharged into the Kansas River after it’s treated.

The resulting algae and water mixture is refined to a slurry, and then processed to capture lipids — an oily compound like soybean oil — for the manufacturing of biofuel.

For her work, Sturm won this year’s Excellence in Environmental Engineering Award from the Academy of Environmental Engineers, which recognizes university research with a holistic perspective, proven performance, contribution to quality of life and economic efficiency.

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