Scum, a dark, muddy substance produced during wastewater treatment, presents a significant waste disposal challenge, but also a potential energy source. Researchers at the Center for Biorefining at the University of Minnesota (UMN) developed a pilot system at the St. Paul wastewater treatment plant. The system found 68 percent of the dried and filtered scum at the plant could be converted to biodiesel. All of the scrum from the plant is equivalent to approximately 140,000 gallons of biodiesel and $500,000-$600,000 in profit per year.
NIFA supports this research through the Hatch Act Funds.
Read the full story at UMN Impact.
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