Muscat – A Omani researcher has produced sustainable biofuel extracted from contaminated and harmful veterinary medical waste.

Hajar bint Khamis al Azriya’s project is titled ‘Sustainable biofuel production from contaminated and pathological animal healthcare waste.’

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Hajar said, “I did extensive work on the project involving research, conducting studies and laboratory experiments until I reached the correct production method after several months.”

According to Hajar, the project is the first of its kind in the world. It aims to produce sustainable biofuel as an alternative to fossil fuels, extracted from pathological animal waste, with the least harmful impact on the environment.

“The project also aims to develop the economic sector, benefit from harmful waste that is generally sent to landfills, and reduce the environmental damage resulting from these wastes. Such harmful waste matter is usually ignored because of the damage the pathogens in these can cause,” Hajar said.

She observed that the project’s success in identifying an alternative source of energy is in keeping with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, while also helping be’ah’s endeavors for alternative and auxiliary solutions to get rid of and reduce pathological animal waste.

Hajar informed that the project is complete and registered with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion to obtain a patent.

Talking about the challenges she faced, Hajar said, “The lack of financial support to procure materials which are basic and essential to the project and conduct research externally was a major hurdle. It took a long time to source and collect veterinary medical waste. Additionally, there are no specialised companies in the oil and gas sector to support this project.

“I overcame these challenges with the help of Dr Alaa al Muhtaseb and researcher Suhaib al Maawali at Sultan Qaboos University.”

Hajar is currently working on producing large commercial quantities of the biofuel and establish a company to market the product.