In the heart of Bangladesh, a team of researchers led by Sadia Afrose Esha from the Department of Soil Water and Environment at the University of Dhaka has made a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture. Their work, published in the journal *Next Materials* (which translates to “New Materials”), focuses on transforming tannery solid waste into biodegradable plastic mulch, offering a promising alternative to traditional polyethylene films that have long plagued the environment.
The study highlights the extraction of collagen from tannery raw trimmings, yielding a remarkable 21.5% with a protein content of 63.38%. This collagen, combined with rice starch and glycerin, forms the base of the biodegradable films. But what sets this research apart is the addition of neem-infused oil, extracted from neem leaves, which imparts insecticidal properties to the films. “The neem oil not only provides a natural pesticide but also ensures that the films are environmentally friendly,” explains Esha.
Among the various formulations, the film labeled S4, with a collagen-to-starch ratio of 1:3, exhibited the highest tensile strength of 1.72 MPa. This strength is attributed to intermolecular hydrogen bonding. When neem oil was added to S4, the resulting film, S4–4, showed a water vapor transmission rate of 7.91 g/m²/h and a water solubility of 38.66%. Notably, it achieved 50% degradation in soil after just two weeks, a performance comparable to other films.
The real game-changer, however, is the film’s impact on plant growth. When applied to okra plants, the S4–4 film resulted in increased plant length, root length, and fresh and dry weight. “The validity of the ANOVA models for each growth parameter confirmed that mulch treatment had a significant impact on plant growth,” Esha notes. The assumptions of normality, homoscedasticity, and independence were all satisfied, underscoring the robustness of the findings.
The implications for the energy and agriculture sectors are profound. As the world grapples with the environmental toll of traditional plastic mulches, this research offers a sustainable alternative that not only reduces waste but also enhances crop yields. The use of tannery waste for biodegradable films could revolutionize waste management in the tannery industry, turning a liability into an asset.
Moreover, the integration of neem oil provides an eco-friendly solution to pest control, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting healthier agricultural practices. This dual benefit of waste valorization and sustainable agriculture could pave the way for similar innovations in other industries, fostering a circular economy.
As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, research like Esha’s is crucial. It not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also sets the stage for future developments in the field. The journey from tannery waste to biodegradable mulch is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for a greener future. With the findings published in *Next Materials*, the stage is set for broader adoption and further exploration of this groundbreaking technology.