NEWS

In Louisiana Tech University’s College of Engineering and Science, Dr. Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, a Fulbright Fellowship recipient, has completed a study aimed at identifying harmful weeds found in Louisiana. This research, studied in Dr. Joan Lynam’s Biomass Research Lab, converts the weeds into useful products using eco-friendly methods to break down the plants.

“Joining the biomass team is an incredible opportunity to address one of the most pressing challenges for developing novel techniques to transform weeds into marketable products,” Iqbal said. “Noxious weeds pose serious challenges to modern farming systems, and extensive use of herbicides for managing weeds has emerged as one of the biggest sources of environmental deterioration and ecosystem malfunctioning.”

Iqbal identified several common weeds in Louisiana, such as pigweed, alligator weed, Chinese tallow, and parthenium. These weeds spread quickly and impair a crop’s efficiency, affecting the economic productivity. They tend to have better survival traits compared to crops and significantly reduce crop productivity and quality even after applying herbicides.

Iqbal used chemical engineering methods, specifically hydrothermal carbonization, which combines heat and pressure to remove water and increase the carbon content of weed samples, making them energy efficient. This process focuses on converting weeds into carbon-rich materials by applying controlled heat and pressure along with eco-friendly solvents.

“I am delighted to host Dr. Iqbal at Louisiana Tech,” Lynam said. “His approach to transforming weeds into organic amendment can address weed management and herbicides associated environmental challenges in the long run.”

“Transforming waste, such as weeds, into marketable and sustainable products will contribute to a greener and cleaner world,” Mohammad Tarikuzzaman, Ph.D. student with the Biomass Research Lab, added. “This is a fulfilling project proposed by Dr. Iqbal with profound and wide-reaching effects, and we aspire to create a meaningful impact on the health of the environment.”

This project exemplifies Louisiana Tech’s dedication to tackling global environmental challenges through innovative research and collaboration.