this post was submitted on 29 Dec 2023
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UK firm develops jet fuel made from human poo | The starting material is generated in excess and available in plenty. It is a win-win for everyone that the waste is repurposed.::undefined

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[–] GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca 4 points 10 months ago (2 children)

Read about thermal depolymerization. Not only will there be no medication, there won't be anything more complicated than some moderately long carbon chain oils. That system can even break down the prions from mad cow disease, so it's safer than most methods for getting rid of biological waste.

[–] wikibot@lemmy.world 3 points 10 months ago

Here's the summary for the wikipedia article you mentioned in your comment:

Thermal depolymerization (TDP) is the process of converting a polymer into a monomer or a mixture of monomers, by predominantly thermal means. It may be catalysed or un-catalysed and is distinct from other forms of depolymerisation which may rely on the use of chemicals or biological action. This process is associated with an increase in entropy. For most polymers thermal depolymerisation is chaotic process, giving a mixture of volatile compounds. Materials may be depolymerised in this way during waste management, with the volatile components produced being burnt as a form of synthetic fuel in a waste-to-energy process. For other polymers thermal depolymerisation is an ordered process giving a single product, or limited range of products, these transformations are usually more valuable and form the basis of some plastic recycling technologies.

^article^ ^|^ ^about^

[–] Dark_Arc@social.packetloss.gg 0 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I think you're arguing "there's so much heat it won't be medication anymore." I'm unconvinced that, that means it's less dangerous ... consider cases like the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn_pit](burn pits).

[–] GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca 1 points 10 months ago

Cool, you go be unconvinced. That has no bearing on reality. If you can't tell the difference between open fire burning and closed vessel pyrolisis (or more advanced methods of chemical decomposition), nothing I have time to present will correct that misconception.