Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Heavy-metal recovery from industrial waste with Biosorbent Mesoporous materials (BioMes)

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Eoin Flynn

Project Abstract

The overall objective of this proposal is to develop and test novel mesoporous biomaterials derived from macroalgae for use as biosorbents in the removal and recovery of heavy metals from industrial waste streams. Immediate focus is on Intel�s waste streams from their Leixlip manufacturing site in Kildare, with a long term view to developing the technology to treat all industrial waste streams. Macroalgae, in particular brown algae, have long been known as effective biosorbents for heavy metals and other high value materials. However, there are currently two major obstacles to producing effective biosorbent materials from macroalgae: They cannot be produced cost effectively with sufficient biosorption capacity/surface area and their regeneration/reuse is not possible. Recent advances have shown that stable mesoporous materials from macroalgae can be produced simply, without the need for expensive processing involving supercritical fluids. These materials have yet to be fully developed or applied to biosorption of heavy metals � this proposal centres on doing both. With Intel�s support, our proposal is a bench study to develop and utilise mesoporous biosorbent materials from Irish macroalgae to treat industrial wastes and gain economic benefit from the resulting reclaimed resources. There are a number of highly desirable outputs from this project: Environmental: This technology potentially offers a sustainably sourced, low energy produced technology for removal of highly toxic compounds from the Irish environment. Economic: This proposal offers more efficient and profitable usage of precious resources and development of the means to do this through a saleable product from an indigenous, abundant Irish resource. If developed there would be IPR to this technology for license development and/or spin-out. Academic: The novelty of application and development of the BioMes technology along with the track records of the proposed project management team all but guarantees high impact publication of any research findings. Impact: The project management team highlights the tremendous support and expertise across multiple departments, institutes, scientific disciplines, from academia and industry, associated with this project. This broad network of SMEs and facilities ensures the maximum impact of any successes arising from this project. EU development: There is potential for further development of this technology on the European stage by seeking funding from the Horizon 2020 EU framework programme. Specifically, the NMBP work programme and the SPIRE call. Within this, the following projects are relevanet: SPIRE 01-2016, SPIRE 03-2016, SPIRE 07-2017

Grant Approved

�208,067.10

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Resource efficiency

Start Date

01/02/2016

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/02/2018