The project is led by Cristina Muñoz, from the Academic Department of Land and Natural Resources in the Faculty of Agriculture, and Cristina Segura, from the Unit for Technological Development (UDT).

According to experts, the aim is to establish the technical and economic bases that allow the implementation of modular pyrolysis plants for simultaneous production of biochar and thermal energy, as a mechanism for recovery of poultry and livestock waste.

"The project involves the use of residues from the production of pigs and poultry, which if not handled appropriately generate pollution that could be important for both groundwater as gas emissions," explained Ms Muñoz.

Meanwhile, Cristina Segura said: "The project proposes to use organic waste generated in large quantities in poultry and pig farms in the Bío Bío (slurry, manure, sawdust, shavings, feathers and leftover feed) to simultaneously produce a carbonaceous material (biochar) and thermal energy.

"This is accomplished by pyrolysis, a technique with wide acceptance in the global context as a mechanism for disposal of organic waste, in a safe, environmentally friendly and cost effective way."

The project is funded by the Regional Government of Bío Bío through the Innovation Fund for Competitiveness in the Region (FIC).

According to the researchers, this material could be used both by large companies and small and medium producers.

"We want to obtain a homogeneous and marketable material. This material could have commercial value, where producers can have their own pyrolysis plants and generate a product that is of interest as a fertiliser," said Ms Muñoz.