The project focuses on commercializing a novel landfill leachate treatment technology that uses algae to absorb pollutants and simultaneously produce bioethanol through biomass fermentation. This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution to treat landfill leachate and generate a renewable energy source, addressing both environmental pollution and the need for clean energy.
Malaysia generates approximately 3 million liters of landfill leachate daily due to heavy rainfall, posing significant environmental and public health risks by potentially contaminating groundwater and surface water bodies. Additionally, Malaysia lacks a domestic bioethanol industry due to insufficient feedstock, which limits the country's ability to produce this renewable energy source.
This project introduces a low-cost, efficient algae-based treatment for landfill leachate, which offers several advantages over conventional methods. The technology has a small footprint, requires short operating times, and utilizes biodegradable materials. By converting leachate into bioethanol through microbial fermentation, the project provides a green, renewable energy source while addressing environmental pollution.
The proposed solution utilizes algae to treat landfill leachate, absorbing pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals. The resulting algae biomass is then fermented to produce bioethanol. This dual-purpose technology not only effectively treats leachate but also generates bioethanol, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy practices.
The technology's key competitive advantages include its high yield productivity, low cost, and environmentally friendly nature. By using landfill leachate as a raw material, the process supports green technology initiatives and reduces the price of leachate treatment significantly. Additionally, the bioethanol produced is cost-effective, priced at RM 0.22 per liter compared to the global market price of RM 1.52 per liter. The technology is ready for commercial deployment (TRL 9) and has ongoing commercialization efforts with Solid Waste Management (SW Corp) Malaysia, indicating strong market potential and industry interest.