Pacific Adventist University (PAU) is at the forefront of innovative research that could bring significant environmental benefits to Papua New Guinea (PNG), school leaders said recently.
There are several ongoing studies at the Port Moresby campus. One of them aims to find innovative ways to recycle agricultural waste such as banana fiber. The university farm, with its extensive plantation of more than 40,000 bananas, is ideal for study.
The study looks at how banana fiber can be used for sustainable natural products that could replace plastics and agricultural chemical fertilizers. With banana cultivation widespread throughout PNG, the ability to operate activities with zero environmental impact would be important, and a first for the Pacific.
A second study is investigating the most suitable recipe for converting used vegetable oil into a quality biodiesel that is expected to be equivalent to the international standard.
“This is a research and development project; the results of this study will be used to contribute to the development of biofuel policies in Papua New Guinea, as well as [promote] the reduction of environmental pollution in terms of used cooking oil, which is currently an environmental hazard in PNG,” said Linta Qalopui, a professor at PAU’s School of Science and Technology.
By recycling and turning cooking oil into biodiesel, it can be used in diesel engines, reducing CO2 emissions by around 41% compared to fossil diesel fuel. “This also provides an alternative and environmentally friendly fuel for Papua New Guinea in the future,” Qalopui said.
In the first trials, the biodiesel produced from the research was used to power five diesel engine vehicles without any engine modifications and with smooth operation. The next stage of the study will assess how the converted oil affects engine performance in generators, water pumps and many other diesel vehicles.
The research is attracting global attention: Qalopui has been invited to present at the fourth International Conference on Biofuels and Bioenergy in London in October.
Other environmental studies currently underway at PAU are looking at the environmental impacts of the expanding palm oil industry in Kairak, Eastern New Britain Province, and hunting pressures on mammals in the savanna and in the forests of southern Papua.
PAU Head of Research and Graduate Studies Carol Tasker said students and their supervisors are involved in about 20 research studies related to the environment, health, education, family and other topics current
“PAU has also recently been asked to conduct an investigation [Adventist church] retention of members in PNG, and in literacy levels and [their] possible impact on the ministry of the church,” Tasker said.
“We are excited about our research vision: ‘Exploring resources, expanding horizons, inspiring hope’, which reminds us of endless possibilities for learning more that can positively impact churches, families and communities in the Pacific.”
The original version of this story was published in Adventist Register.
