Renewable Energy

• General

The laboratory agro-energy carries out analysis in the field of biofuels: bio-ethanol, biodiesel and ligno-cellulose biomass, with the objective to contribute to the alternative energy sources for domestic use production (electric and thermal power) and for automotive. The field analyses regard the evaluation of the adaptability and the productivity of crops, as well as the environment and techniques of cultivation.
The laboratory is equipped with instruments for physic-chemical characterization of solid and liquid bio-fuel from the different sectors.

• Biomass

Waste Cycle

• General

Use of waste material for the development of biodegradable polymers (Pha) for the agriculture and agro-industry. The use of Pha, biodegradable polymer medium chain, of which the STPS has patented the method of production from exhausted oils, allows to replace the plastic film used today with covers for mulch entirely biodegradable compounds from recycled paper or from natural fibres.

• Recycle

The “smart biodegradable bag” is a new container for waste disposal of moist house rubbish without any further separation.
It is made by 100% biodegradable paper, coated with lyophilized bacterial biomass containing inside a polyhydroxyalcanoate (PHA), an elastomer stored inside the microorganism by the conversion of industrial waste products under stress environment, according to a process patented by Science and Technology Park of Sicily. The lignin content of the paper speeds up the degradation process, improving the quality of compost while the pores of the paper support, still allows a beneficial oxygenation of inner content, actives the composting process and prevents the development of moulds, responsible of off-flavors and waste deliquescence. The bag owns a strenghthen bottom that allows a safe transport of organic waste without lost of liquids. It is adsorbent, resistant and semi-permeable.

Conservation

• General

Environmental protection

• Air

• Water

• Land

Waste Cycle

• Remediation
  - "Biopolymer" project.
  Isolation of PHA genes for the development of biodegradable polymers.
  - "Use of waste material for the development of biodegradable polymers (PHAs) in agriculture and agro-industry"
  Obtaining polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) through the microbic conversion of waste or potentially polluting products from agro-industrial activities. These include oil-based effluent or used oils.
• Recycle
  Valorization of waste water for irrigation: Two new types of filters and four types of drip wings.