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Project Code [2007-PhD-ET-6]

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Project title

Investigation of Biodegradable Plastic Production by an Activated Sludge Microbial Consortium Treating Dairy Industry Wastewater.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Niall O' Leary

Project Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates, (PHAs), are biodegradable polyesters which are synthesised intracellularly by a number of microbial species when they encounter an excess of carbon substrate, offset by an inorganic nutrient limitation. The production of these ?bioplastics? has received significant, global research interest as they offer a potential replacement polymer for environmentally recalcitrant petrochemical plastics. However, fermentation costs coupled with additional downstream processing have thus far hampered the economic competitiveness of PHAs produced from pure cultures. The use of mixed microbial cultures for PHA synthesis offers a possible solution as they can utilise a range of carbon substrates and do not require aseptic fermentation equipment/handling. The current research project seeks to investigate the potential for stable PHA accumulation by an enriched, activated sludge microbial consortium utilising dairy processing wastewater as feed stock.

Grant Approved

�91,810.00

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Waste and Resources Management

Start Date

01/10/2007

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/10/2010