Grant: Engage Grants Program

In collaboration with Shell-Ex, Dr. MacQuarrie's research group will investigate the absorption of coldprocessed fish hydrolysate on forestry waste residue biochars. Various compositions of biochars will beinvestigated and analyzed. Shell-EX produces the cold processed fish hydrolysate for use as an organicfertilizer, however it has a very powerful and pungent odor. For this reason they are having difficulty gettinggreenhouse farmers to implement the fertilizer even though it shows enhanced growing ability for many crops.Biochar is a known absorbent and Dr. MacQuarrie's research group has already demonstrated its ability toabsorb heavy metals and other organics. Dr. MacQuarrie's researcher will fully characterize (surface area,surface functionality, basicity/acidity, and adsorbent properties) The biochar and fish hydrolysate will becombined in different ratios and odour removal potential examined using PID. Once maximum odor removalhas been established the resulting fish hydrolysate/biochar's will be re-analyzed for surface area/volume (toquantify the concentration). The stability of the resulting product will be examined over time usingGC-MS/MS. This will provide Shell-Ex with the necessary information to balance odour control and mixturecosts.