Difference between revisions of "Team:Westminster UK"
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<h1>Step 2: Expanded Polystyrene Waste Volume Reduction</h1> | <h1>Step 2: Expanded Polystyrene Waste Volume Reduction</h1> | ||
| − | <p>Polystyrene has the property to dissolve in organic chemicals. This offers a great solution to separating vast amounts of gas embedded within expanded polystyrene and reduces its initial volume by up to 99%!< | + | <p>Polystyrene has the property to dissolve in organic chemicals. This offers a great solution to separating vast amounts of gas embedded within expanded polystyrene and reduces its initial volume by up to 99%!</p> |
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<h1>Step 3: Chemical Preparation of the Styrene Monomer</h1> | <h1>Step 3: Chemical Preparation of the Styrene Monomer</h1> | ||
| − | <p>Unlike most other plastics, polystyrene can depolymerise to its monomer units when treated with high heat. The resulting product is a mixture of 70% styrene and its structurally similar compounds, which can be condensed back into a yellow liquid.< | + | <p>Unlike most other plastics, polystyrene can depolymerise to its monomer units when treated with high heat. The resulting product is a mixture of 70% styrene and its structurally similar compounds, which can be condensed back into a yellow liquid.</p> |
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<h1>Step 4: Biodegradation through the Toluene Degradation Pathway</h1> | <h1>Step 4: Biodegradation through the Toluene Degradation Pathway</h1> | ||
| − | <p>We have utilised the toluene degradation pathway found in a specific strain of <i>Pseudomonas putida</i> to degrade the styrene monomers and convert them into a source of energy for the bacteria.< | + | <p>We have utilised the toluene degradation pathway found in a specific strain of <i>Pseudomonas putida</i> to degrade the styrene monomers and convert them into a source of energy for the bacteria.</p> |
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| − | <p>Project brought up by the University of Westminster's Life Science Department.< | + | <p>Project brought up by the University of Westminster's Life Science Department.</p> |
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Revision as of 09:47, 5 December 2018
Step 1: Polystyrene waste collection
Our system is designed for waste collection and conversion. No genetically modified bacteria should be thrown into the environment!
Step 2: Expanded Polystyrene Waste Volume Reduction
Polystyrene has the property to dissolve in organic chemicals. This offers a great solution to separating vast amounts of gas embedded within expanded polystyrene and reduces its initial volume by up to 99%!
Step 3: Chemical Preparation of the Styrene Monomer
Unlike most other plastics, polystyrene can depolymerise to its monomer units when treated with high heat. The resulting product is a mixture of 70% styrene and its structurally similar compounds, which can be condensed back into a yellow liquid.
Step 4: Biodegradation through the Toluene Degradation Pathway
We have utilised the toluene degradation pathway found in a specific strain of Pseudomonas putida to degrade the styrene monomers and convert them into a source of energy for the bacteria.
Project brought up by the University of Westminster's Life Science Department.
