FURI | Spring 2023

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) of Compost, Analyzing the Effect with Microplastic and Pesticide

The research conducted aims at understanding the effects of the solid, gas, and oil yields from HTL reactors, specifically that of compost. By adding controlled amounts of compost, microplastic in the form of PET, and a pesticide with the main active ingredient being silicon dioxide, the yields can vary drastically. Understanding the effects of pesticides on microplastics in the compost will then affect how HTL reactors can be utilized to chemically recycle contaminated soil into more useful products.