Chemical Properties of Biocrude Oil from the Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Spirulina Algae, Swine Manure, and Digested Anaerobic Sludge

In an era of water and fuel insecurity, it is important to develop methods to both conserve water and produce fuels from non-petroleum sources. Innovative use of wastewater is part of the solution. Researchers have discovered that it is possible to convert biomass in wastewater to high-value liquid fuels using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). Initial biomass chemistry can affect the quality of HTL products, so it is important to test feedstocks prior to large-scale conversion. A group of researchers, including ISTC’s Dr. B.K. Sharma and John Scott, did just that.Ope