Conversion of Used Paper Materials into Sugars: A Biochemical Process to Limit Environmental Pollution

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 5 Issue 6 (2000) pp 315-316

Conversion of Used Paper Materials into Sugars: A Biochemical Process to Limit Environmental Pollution

Jacobus P. H. van Wyk

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa), South Africa

Published online: 9 October 2000

Abstract. Many global communities have labeled chemistry as a major culprit responsible for environmental pollution. Looking at the rate at which gases are released into the air, effluents pumped into rivers, and the volumes of solid waste dumped, then this perception seems to be valid. This undergraduate laboratory exercise illustrates that biochemistry can be applied to conserving the environment by limiting pollution through the bioconversion of organic waste into sugars, and thus it assists with the development of alternative and renewable energy resources.

Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; biochemistry, environmental

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: 0204, jphvwyk@medunsa.ac.za)

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