JONESBORO — Researchers at Arkansas State University (A-State) have received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to explore converting sewer waste into renewable energy. The project, led by Dr. Chiqian Zhang, an assistant professor of civil engineering, aims to optimize methane production while reducing harmful sulfur content in wastewater systems.
The NSF grant, awarded earlier this year, will support experiments over the next two years. According to the grant’s description, the research focuses on removing oxygen from carbohydrates found in wastewater. This process converts the material into gases, including methane and carbon dioxide, which can be used to generate heat and electricity.
“This energy could help power buildings and fuel vehicles, including those on our campus,” Zhang explained.
An essential goal of the study is to minimize sulfur production in the process. Sulfur compounds in wastewater release toxins that pose risks to treatment plant workers. Zhang emphasized the importance of protecting workers' health and reducing their exposure to hazardous substances.
“I would really concern about their health,” Zhang said. “I work with them a lot, so they are working very hard in the treatment plants and they are smelling this [toxin] every day.”
The research is also designed to improve methane yields, as the two processes are interconnected. Reducing sulfur output can lead to increased production of methane, which serves as a valuable renewable energy source.
“So, generate methane from the waste and burn the methane for the generation of heat and also electricity at the same time,” Zhang noted.
Zhang said sewer waste is an abundant and consistent resource, making it a promising candidate for renewable energy production. If the process proves efficient, it could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address rising global temperatures.
A report issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in May 2025 noted that 2024 had been the hottest year on record, with global temperatures averaging 2.32°F above the 20th-century norm. Methane-based energy derived from waste could serve as part of the solution, particularly for vehicular and building energy needs.
To refine the process, Zhang plans to test compounds such as calcium oxide and magnesium oxide, designed to further optimize methane production. The project awaits the delivery of specialized equipment before in-depth experiments can begin.
The study not only represents a step forward in renewable energy development but also highlights public health considerations for those working in wastewater management.