Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a system for converting scum into biofuels using available waste heat from water treatment facilities. The project — which was funded by grants from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, Metropolitan Council Environmental Service, MnDRIVE and CFANS Center for Biorefining — found that up to 68% of scum collected could be made into biodiesel. In addition to generating electricity, biogas can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in wastewater treatment.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a system for converting scum into biofuels using available waste heat from water treatment facilities. The project — which was funded by grants from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, Metropolitan Council Environmental Service, MnDRIVE and CFANS Center for Biorefining — found that up to 68% of scum collected could be made into biodiesel. This equates to some 140,000 gallons of the fuel, or $500,000 to $600,000 in annual profits.