Opportunities vs Time
Biomass feeding biorefinery
Platinum mining extraction is an ongoing activity, and once a tailing with mixed soil is complete, a new one begins, abandoning the previous one. The selected areas sit on these passive tailings without use.
Firstly, bioremediation by microorganisms is introduced to area I. This stage will prepare the soil by breaking down nutrients and pollutants such as traces of petroleum derivates. Then, pioneer plant species are planted, acting on the acid soil by increasing the oxygen levels, creating topsoil, and containing the contamination by erosion. With the removal of the pioneer species, the secondary species are introduced to the area I. The plants will act into the soil by transforming, breaking down, and locking the pollutants. Once harvested, the biomass will feed the first phase of the lignocellulosic biorefinery. To then be converted into energy and injected back into the process. Areas III until V follow the above sequence until the system’s maximum capacity.
Tutors
Sanne van den Breemer
Filip Geerts
Ilmar Hurkxkens