Bioenergy Technology and Waste Management Program

Bioenergy and Waste Management Research Program

This research is particularly focused on two key dimensions: the production of energy from biological resources and the exploration of waste management alternatives in urban areas. Under the bioenergy program, production and analysis of biodiesel and bioethanol are primarily conducted using alternative biological feedstocks. The objective of this program is to explore the potential of renewable energy production by utilizing the economic biomass resources of Nepal. Similarly, under the waste management research program, incineration feasibility studies of solid waste, the impacts of landfill leachate and its management approaches, and the production of biochar from waste agricultural or forest resources for its utilization in agricultural and environmental applications. The primary aim of this program is to explore the conversion feasibility of waste resources into value-added products.

Key Activities:
1.    Biodiesel Production and Analysis
Under this program, the research activities of production, fuel properties analysis, and engine performance assessment of biodiesel samples are primarily conducted. The major research activities that are being conducted in this program include:
-    Production and analysis of biodiesel from non-edible sources and waste cooking oil.
-     Blending of biodiesel and the assessment of an appropriate ratio for its optimal performance.
-    Assessment of the catalytic efficiency of nanomaterials on biodiesel samples.

2.    Incineration Feasibility Study of Solid Waste
Increased production of solid waste from the urban areas and its improper landfilling over time have raised critical concerns about proper solid waste management. Considering this problem, we are also conducting the basics of incineration feasibility analysis of solid waste, particularly evaluating the calorific value and moisture content.

3.    Environmental Impacts Analysis of Landfill Leachate and Its Management
Landfill sites contribute significantly to environmental pollution due to improper waste disposal and degradation. One of the major concerns is the generation of toxic leachate from the waste deposition over time. Absence of leachate treatment systems in most of the landfills of Nepal further worsens the surrounding ecosystem through leachate pollution. In this critical concern, our program is focused on the following activities:
-    Assessment of the status of physicochemical pollutants, heavy metals, and microplastics abundance in the landfill leachate.
-    Identification of major sources and pathways of contamination in landfill leachate.
-    Analysis of leachate treatment processes using biochar and nanomaterials.

4.    Biochar Production and Utilization
Under this research topic, we are focusing on the production of biochar from agricultural as well as forest by-products or waste resources, which include rice husk, sawdust, and the parts of invasive plants. We are also aiming to use the produced biochar for soil amendment and leachate, as well as wastewater treatment. Major research activities under this program include:
-    Assessment of the removal efficiency of heavy metals from the wastewater and leachate samples by using biochar.
-    Effectiveness of biochar applications on the production of selected cash crops.
-    Preparation of effective biochar through biochar activation approaches.

Team Members:

1. Mr. Rakesh Kusma
2. Mr. Saroj Babu Koirala ([email protected])
3. Mr. Ishwor Maharjan
4. Mr. Deen Bandhu Parajuli
5. Er. Sujit Regmi