Polyhydroxyalkanoates (Bioplastics) production, extraction and protein recovery using pulp and paper wastewater activated sludge as raw material

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Wastewater sludge is produced in large quantity and its safe disposal in the environment is a worldwide problem. The long-term goal of our research is to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or bioplastics using sludge as a source of microorganisms or as a raw material and waste materials as an extra carbon source. The principal objectives of the research proposed involves exploration of oily waste as a source of carbon and further additions to wastewater sludge to increase the growth and PHA production capacity of microorganisms. This process also focuses on the development of a novel, efficient and environmental friendly PHA extraction and purification process to obtain PHA from wastewater sludge using pure culture. Optimization of process parameters for continuous centrifuge to maximize the PHA recovery process is also considered. The reuse of waste streams (residual biomass, wash water and protein containing waste water) generated during PHA extraction process ascertains the development of environmentally friendly PHA production process. Moreover, recovery of proteins from the waste stream could make the PHA production process more economical. The research will be conducted by two Ph.D. students and one part-time technician. The successful completion of the research: 1) will provide a new avenue to use oily waste of the pulp and paper company, will enable to develop a cost effective PHA extraction process from the fermented sludge and will also develop a novel process of protein recovery from the waste stream generated during PHA extraction process; 2) The development of the process will also enable to augment the production of PHA yield and rate; 3) reduce the sludge volume by 60-70 % w/w for disposal and hence minimize disposal cost; and 4) minimize the production of greenhouse gases through savings on lesser residual sludge required to be disposed in the environment. Furthermore, this research is very timely and will aid Canadian industry to develop eco-friendly and commercially viable bioplastics and thus strengthening Canada`s economy and environmental policy.