Innovative Technology for Bioremediation/Composting of C&D Wood Waste

Manufactured and coated wood (MCW) is generated by the construction and demolition (C&D) industries. At present, some MCW is ground and utilized as daily landfill cover. However, the Province of Nova Scotia would prefer to see this move away from landfill and be utilized as a value added marketable product. Current estimates suggest that there is 175,000 tons of C&D materials generated annually. Of that, 40% is estimated to be wood material consisting of clean wood, MCW, pressure treated, creosote timbers and laminates. The main aim of this project is to develop an economically feasible and environmentally sustainable technology to effectively bioremediate/compost the MCW into a marketable value added soil conditioner/organic fertilizer and/or mulch products that would meet and/or exceed the requirements for use within the various sectors both in the local market as well as in other national and international markets. Successful completion of this project will provide an immediate opportunity to divert about 85,000 tons of these materials.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Abdel Ghaly

Student:

Bopeng Zhang

Partner:

Envirem Technologies Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Forestry

University:

Dalhousie University