On March 3rd, scientists from energy-poor Japan announced that they have discovered a new source of oil: from livestock manure.
Professor Sakae Shibusawa, an agricultural science lecturer at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, revealed that his research team successfully extracted 0.042 ounces (1.1907 grams) of kerosene from 3.5 ounces (83.3 grams) of cow dung using heat and high pressure.
Professor Shibusawa stated, “This new technology will provide significant benefits to livestock farmers by reducing the burden of managing vast amounts of waste.” (Each year, Japan has to process about 551,155 tons of livestock manure – Prof. Shibusawa).
Mr. Tomiaki Tamura, a representative from Japan’s Natural Resources and Energy Agency, expressed his surprise at this achievement: “Extracting kerosene from cow dung is something I had never encountered before. This truly represents a great potential. Japan relies almost entirely on imports to meet its kerosene and fuel needs.”
Professor Shibusawa noted that the research team received assistance from the Institute of Applied Technology and Advanced Science near Tokyo in the extraction process by adding several metal catalysts (details about these catalysts should probably be kept confidential – Prof. Shibusawa) into the manure contained in a vessel under a pressure of 30 atmospheres and temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius.
The research team hopes to refine the technology for commercial application within five years.
According to Miki Tsuruta, a spokesperson for Sekisui Chemical Group (Japan), another research team has also succeeded in extracting a fragrant substance, vanillin, from cow dung. The extracted compound (vanillin) may be used as a fragrance in shampoos and scented candles.
Ms. Tsuruta further explained that vanillin was extracted through a method of dissolving livestock manure using a pressure cooker as part of a collaborative project with the Japan Pharmaceutical Research Institute.
