A remarkable technique for cleaning contaminated water using seafood shells was one of the innovations under inspection when the Princess Royal visited the University of York.
The Princess Royal visits a laboratory at the
University of York
The pollution-busting method, using food waste to dispose of contaminants ranging from pesticides and sheep dip to dyes and heavy metals, has been developed by the university's spin-off company Carafiltration Ltd.
The Princess Royal had asked to see some of this scientific research during a visit to York, and toured the university's prestigious biology department with vice-chancellor Professor Ron Cooke.
Dr Ashley Wilson showed her how crab, prawn and scampi shells, which are currently disposed of at sea or in landfill, could be prepared to have high bioadsorbency and then used for "cleaning waste water of industrial and agricultural effluent".
He added: "We are turning something that's a waste product, a cause for disposal, into something that's green and very useful."
Dr Wilson explained there could be a multiple benefit, as the cleaned water could be reused, and the shell material could be "desorbed" to remove the pollutant. In some cases - such as copper - the contaminant could be reused, and there were possible uses for the shell material, such as a peat substitute.
"How realistic is this, in going from this stage to useable?" asked the Princess.
Dr Wilson replied that pilot schemes were starting with industry.
Dr Julian White said an exclusive patent for the invention was published only last week.
Professor Tony Robards told the Princess about developments at the university, including the Science Park, while Professor Dianna Bowles spoke about the multi-million pound redevelopment of the biology department.
Professor Bowles also explained the work of Novel Agricultural Products, using plants to make materials for industry.
The Princess went to the Plant Lab, where she spoke to Dr Dawn Worrall about the newly discovered "anti-freeze" protein in carrots, before finishing her visit to the department at the Cancer Research Unit, where Professor Norman Maitland outlined its work, including a dramatic breakthrough in the study of cervical cancer.
andrew.hitchon@ycp.co.uk
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article