Environmental start-up Wastewater Science has launched a crowdfunding campaign on local platform zaar.com.mt to build a prototype unit that can process animal waste, which is the number one source of environmental degradation. This project targets the issue of nutrient run-off resulting from organic waste disposal in animal farming, as well as recycles water.

The company, founded in June, was fostered during the 2015 Maltese Climate KIK Competition, where it won first place following review by a panel of scientists and business professionals.

Established in Malta, the company uses the island’s unique geographical position and size as a sample of the Mediterranean region and the EU for research and logistics, giving this crowdfunding project a solid, international perspective.

In fact, if successfully funded, this campaign has the potential to make an impact on the global environment and climate change. Among its many benefits, it will help to reduce greenhouse emissions resulting from animal waste disposal and reduce the carbon footprint of disposal processes.

The resulting products are nutrients for fertiliser and clean water suitable for irrigation and washing, produced through a process that uses no additive chemicals and relies on a natural microbial process.

“Unfortunately, the exponential increase in farm production worldwide over the last few decades has outperformed our methods in dealing with the waste produced,” explain the directors of Wastewater Science, Joseph Buhagiar and Bryan Ogden. “Run-off from current disposal practices is a leading cause of public waters becoming polluted with algae blooms or green slime, with one obvious result being that the nutrients from run-off get into groundwater and waterways.

“The consequences of intensified animal production worldwide have also led to huge environmental pressures that are largely invisible to the average person. For instance, greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture are greater than those from all sectors of transportation combined, which is why this product is so important.”

The campaign is now live on zaar.com.mt and Wastewater Science has until October 26 to raise an initial €10,000 to help build the prototype.

Speaking about the project, ZAAR manager Matthew Caruana said he was delighted that Zaar is the chosen platform for such an innovative start-up.

“Since its inception, ZAAR has aimed to attract business ideas that have the potential to positively impact individuals and society. This project can make a huge difference to the environment globally, and we are happy to be supporting it.

“Moreover, we encourage the public to help fund this fantastic initiative by backing the project on zaar.com.mt and to make the most of the great rewards on offer for backers.”

To donate to Wastewater Science’s project and contribute to a reduction in carbon, visit www.zaar.com.mt.