February 16, 2023
Scientists at the University of California, USA, have found a method to transform plastic waste into a form of charcoal that can be used as a soil additive. In this new method, polystyrene or polyethylene terephthalate is mixed with leftover cobs, leaves, stalks and other corn waste. This mixture then goes through a process known as hydrothermal carbonisation in which it is cooked using highly compressed hot water.
The charcoal produced is highly porous and has a surface area of approximately 400sq mts per gram of mass. It could improve agriculture by fertilising and aerating soil and enhancing water retention of soil.
Did You Know?
Recycling plastic is more energy efficient than producing plastic out of raw materials or burning it.
ACTIVITY: Reuse. Reduce. Recycle.
Design an object that has been made from recycled and reused materials. List the recycled materials used.
