Sewage-Based Biodiesels

The sewage system is not the most anticipated place for a scientific discovery, however it could contain a new sewage water biodiesel that will be used for consumption. Brown grease, which is the residue of vegetable oils and animal fats, congeals in sewer pipes, but could have significant value as an fuel source.

The National Science Foundation is currently funding the research of a Medgar Evers College chemistry professor, Lawrence Pratt, into how pyrolysis can be used to turn brown grease into a consumable biodiesel. Pyrolysis would break down the compounds of brown grease into smaller molecules by heating them without oxygen, and would turn the grease into fuel. The eventual molecular makeup would make it similar to gasoline and thus could be used as fuel for cars or home-heating.

According to Pratt "A single, midsized wastewater plant can collect 15,000 tons of brown grease per year. Converted, it would produce 2.5 million gallons of fuel". With over 16,000 sewage water waste facilities in the US, it's possible that Pratt could create a new, sustainable fuel option.