Shon Shiju is a post graduate researcher with BiOrbic, Ireland’s national bioeconomy research centre funded by Science Foundation Ireland. In this interview he talks about one project taking on the challenge of managing urban waste.
It’s a long way from Bangalore to Tralee. Tell us about your academic journey.
I started my third level studies in Bangalore, a thriving technological hub known for its prestigious institutions. I did my undergraduate and master’s programme in biotechnology at Christ University, where I had the opportunity to experience industrial and academic research settings firsthand.
The industrial internships in my early days stuck me with the significance of problem-oriented research, and later pointed out the implications of translational research carried out in academia. My aspiration to wet-lab research was founded during my time in the Applied Industrial & Biotechnology Laboratory, where I carried out my dissertation.
This new passion drove me to pursue a PhD, where I got the opportunity to be part of a sustainability project led by Dr Gaurav Rajauria.
Moving to Ireland marked a significant step. It brought me to a different academic and cultural landscape, exposing me to a wider research network while being able to dive deeper into my interests. I can say this progress has broadened my horizons, enriched my perspectives, and is equipping me with a unique blend of skills and insights.
You’re currently working on the project CircBioCityWaste. Tell us how it works.
The CircBioCityWaste project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine. It is a multi-partnered project involving Munster Technological University (MTU), University of Limerick (UL), TU Dublin, Glanua, Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West, and Shannon ABC. The project emphasises revolutionising waste valorisation in urban and rural environments through the implementation of cascading biorefineries.
By utilising advanced biotechnological processes, CircBioCityWaste aims to create a circular economy where waste becomes a valuable input for various industries.
Essentially, the project aims to harness the potential of biorefineries to convert organic waste into valuable resources such as biofertilisers, biostimulants, green energy and platform chemicals. This involves a multi-faceted approach that encompasses anaerobic digestate management, process development and optimisation of this resource through advanced biological processes for bioconversion and sustainable resource recovery.
The outputs would provide the agrochemical and bioenergy sectors with numerous raw and finished materials. CircBioCityWaste not only addresses the issue of waste disposal but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the reliance on traditional fossil fuels and its derivatives.
Will cities need to reinvent their infrastructure to accommodate biorefineries? Can we have them as close to regular housing as a recycle centre or do they have to be built outside urban areas?
The integration of biorefineries into urban areas raises intriguing questions about urban landscape and infrastructure. While biorefineries can offer numerous environmental and economic benefits, the proximity to housing and urban centres requires careful consideration.
Placing biorefineries close to the source of raw material pays out economically and environmentally, therefore our focus would be on implementing developed technology in conjunction with on-site or in close proximity to urban or industrial biowaste treatment plants. Thus, odour control, noise management, storage and handling, and logistical needs should have minimal effect and disturbances must be balanced with the advantages of resource recovery.
Depending on the scale of the biorefineries and the technology used, it might be possible to integrate them into the urban environment. With careful urban planning and feasibility assessment, these facilities might co-exist with housing and urban settings in the near future.
The argument against urban projects is that what works in a small area can’t scale to meet the needs of a whole city. Do you see this as a problem for CircBioCityWaste?
Any project of significant scale comes with challenges. Our target settings would be industrial and central biowaste treatment facilities. Diversifying into urban areas requires finding suitable implementation sites, infrastructure, financial investment, and modes of ownership [LLC, sole proprietorship etc] are all potential roadblocks.
CircBioCityWaste’s challenges are completely different. The major one would be mindset for end users in accepting bio-refined material. However, with the push of sustainability and urban circular models, a project like this would set an example and be scalable in line with incentives and policy supports.
The project has considered these challenges, and incorporated stakeholder engagements, public awareness workshops, community outreach, result dissemination and policy support throughout various project stages.
What other areas of research (current or future) are you excited about?
Looking ahead, I’m particularly excited about the intersections of emerging technologies such as microbial biorefineries, green chemistry, fermentation technology and resource recovery for sustainable development.
I particularly find the possibility of exploring these areas in favour of circular economic models that would enhance efficiency, and sustainability and optimise finite resource utilisation.
Additionally, advancements in biotechnology and related fields hold promise for developing novel solutions for health and the environment. These areas offer immense possibilities for transforming how we live, work, and interact with our environment, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.
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