Standard asphalt is composed mostly of bitumen, a byproduct of crude oil distillation. Like concrete, its production is resource-, carbon- and energy-intensive. It is also a poor choice to pave roads, since it easily cracks and degrades into potholes, requiring frequent and expensive maintenance. Various research teams around the world are on the quest for non-petroleum-based, more sustainable asphalt alternatives. Cooking oil, lignin – a natural substance found in plants and trees – soybean, canola oil, even coffee grounds are being explored. So far, however, microalgae is emerging as the most promising option to develop sustainable bioasphalt.
From oil to microalgae: the race to sustainable bioasphalt is on
More of Today's Solutions
Scotland legalizes water cremation, giving families a greener third option
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A quick note: this article walks through how water cremation works, including some detail about the process. If ...
Read MoreSimply listening to nature is good for your health
There are few things as relaxing as the whisper of wind through the trees or the camping sound of a mountain stream, but it ...
Read MoreThis device helps farmers raise happier, healthier cows
Dairy farmers have a regular problem when it comes to testing their cows’ health and the quality of their milk. They have to ship ...
Read MoreZumba: The workout that turns fitness haters into dance floor enthusiasts
One faithful day in Colombia in the 1990s, a fitness instructor realized he forgot his usual workout playlist and sparked a spontaneous dance session ...
Read More
