Implementación de la Resonancia Magnética Nuclear para el monitoreo de los procesos de transformación de los residuos agroindustriales

The main objective of the project is to develop and apply analytical methods to identify and quantify microplastics in compost used as organic fertilizer in Costa Rica. The research seeks to address the lack of knowledge regarding the presence and degradation of sub-millimeter microplastics in complex matrices like compost, assessing their environmental and agricultural impact. It proposes the implementation of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) as a key tool for monitoring the bioprocesses involved in the transformation of agricultural waste, with the potential to identify enzymes capable of degrading organic matter, microplastics, and biopolymers.
Furthermore, the enzymatic activity of compost extracts in polymer degradation will be evaluated, and an analytical method for the extraction and quantification of microplastics such as PBAT, PLA, and PET in compost will be developed. The project is aligned with Costa Rica's National Circular Economy Strategy (ENEC), contributing to the agricultural sector by improving composting processes, identifying more sustainable plastic materials, and generating data to inform policies aimed at limiting plastic contamination in organic fertilizers. The expected outcomes include advances in the sustainability of agricultural practices, protection of soil quality, and mitigation of the negative impacts of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems.

Determinación de la actividad enzimática de extractos de compost en la degradación de microplásticos mediante RMN

Escuela de Química: Soluciones Química para el Desarrollo y de la Escuela de Biología en Biotecnología Ambiental