Indian scientists have developed a sustainable solution to convert keratin waste such as human hair, sheep wool, and poultry feathers into fertilizer and animal feed.
According to Sputnik (Russia), to mitigate the harmful impact of keratin waste on the environment, a team of Indian scientists led by Professor AB Pandit, Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai, has proposed a unique solution that transforms human hair into fertilizer and animal feed.
This new technique is three times cheaper and more environmentally friendly. (Photo: iStock).
The scientists noted that the current keratin waste treatment methods are energy-intensive, chemically hazardous, and costly. Recently, they developed an alternative technique that is three times cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
The research team utilized advanced oxidation processes to convert the waste into marketable fertilizer and animal feed. The most crucial technology in the entire process is the pretreatment phase, which aims to eliminate contaminants found in keratin waste. Following this, the scientists hydrolyzed keratin using a technique known as Hydrodynamic Cavitation.
Media reports indicate that approximately 300,000 tons of human hair is generated as waste in India each year. Although biodegradable, uncontrolled disposal can lead to blockages and other severe environmental issues.
“India generates a large amount of hair, poultry feathers, and sheep wool each year. These wastes are discarded, buried, or burned, increasing the risk of environmental pollution, threatening public health, and raising greenhouse gas emissions. Despite being a source of cheap amino acids and proteins, they have the potential to be utilized as animal feed and fertilizer,” the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology stated in a release on September 16.
Currently, the scientists are collaborating with Revoltech Technologies Private Limited in Gujarat to develop this patented solution for large-scale implementation.
