Eco-friendly resources from food industry waste
by
Geraldine Hinter
Organic
materials from food industry waste streams will be converted into energy and
value-added products using innovative technologies being developed by UniSA's newly
established Water Environment Biotechnology (WEB) group.Taking the leading role in setting up and managing the WEB group is senior research fellow, Dr Bo Jin, who recently joined UniSA from the University of Queensland.
An internationally experienced researcher with expertise in biochemical engineering, biotechnology, waste treatment and applied chemistry, Dr Jin brings with him two Discovery grants from the Australian Research Council worth $645,000 for environmental biotechnology projects.
Dr Jin also holds a joint position at SA Water as Research Leader of a new section of Wastewater Science and Technology. SA Water is funding research and development projects being undertaken by UniSA's WEB group.
The aim of the WEB group is to develop an integrated production and treatment process using industry wastes to regenerate valuable bio-products such as organic acids and biodegradable plastics. This integrated process will be the key to a green circle program in the WEB group.
“Another project involves the use of nano–materials/ technology for wastewater treatment and reuse. A nano-photocatalysis process developed with University of Sydney researchers removes organic pollutants and micro–organisms in treated wastewater. These nano-materials improve the oxidation efficiency and quality of treated wastewater, making it suitable for reuse,” Dr Jin said.
“Through our research we have been developing a strong collaboration with national and international institutions, government organisations and industries including the South Australian wine industry, which is keen to find effective solutions for its waste problem.”
Dr Jin believes that the commercial applications of this processing technology will have huge potential for industry and the University.
“It will enable us to recycle raw materials very cost effectively for food production and other value-added products,” he said.
“We are confident that our biotechnological processing capability will lead to an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable new technology for the food industry.”