MIPS Project Challenge:
The goal of this MIPS project is to determine the efficacy of ATP-MD’s Combined Remediation Biomass and Bio-Product Production (CRBBP) Process in removing excess phosphorus from Chesapeake Bay watershed farm soils, looking especially at planting techniques, pyrolysis processing techniques, product development and improvements, logistics and preparations for commercial-scale operations.

Project Scope:
Through this MIPS project, researchers will plant biomass sorghum, a bio-crop, in phosphorus-impacted farmland and test the land, both pre- and post-planting, to determine the level of phosphorus removal. The bio-crops will be harvested, shredded and processed to make: poultry house bedding and biochar; fillers, from which enhanced plastics and composites are made; bio-coal, as a clean and renewable coal alternative; and other viable bio-products.

ATP-MD’s target markets include plastics, garden consumables, biochar, and bio-coal (electricity). Potential customers include plastic product manufacturing companies, who have demonstrated that ATP-MD’s torrefied biomass can be used as a filler or extender, instead of mineral powders, wood flour or corn starch, to make stronger, lighter and water-resistant plastics.