Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID MA-2023-Chen

Co-Hydrothermal Conversion of Microplastic Pollutants and Harmful Algal Bloom into Biocrude Oil

Institute: Massachusetts
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $50,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $50,000

Principal Investigators: Wan-Ting (Grace) Chen

Project Summary: Microplastics are plastic particles and fibers (< 5-mm) that are potentially ecotoxic. Recent studies show that microplastics promote the growth of harmful algal bloom (HAB). The two environmental pollutants interact, and a new knowledge gap emerges. This project will co-currently upcycle microplastics and HAB into biocrude oil via energy-efficient hydrothermal conversions. In this proposal, PI Chen hypothesizes that hydrothermally co-converting microplastics and HAB will lead to a higher energy efficiency than converting either pollutant alone. The chemical compositions of biocrude oil will be characterized so that their potential to replace petroleum-derived fuel can be realized.