Success for pharmaceutical waste conversion study

Dr Mohamed Amish, from RGU’s School of Engineering, has published a paper on an important international project which involves converting pharmaceutical waste into an innovative drilling fluid additive.

This research contributes to the University's strategic focus on economic, social, cultural, and environmental sustainability. It also ties in with a number of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are designed to help create a better and sustainable future for us all.  The paper has been commended by academic publishers Elsevier for its contribution towards the SDGs, which address some of the world’s greatest challenges.

The project was completed in collaboration between RGU, Sonatrach/Algerian Petroleum Institute, Mohamed Boudiaf Sciences and Technology University in M’Sila, and Kasdi Merbah University, Ouargla. 

Dr Amish, added: “Medical waste, in particular pharmaceutical waste, contributes 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Existing drilling additives are expensive to manufacture and purchase. 

“This project therefore contributes to both the energy industry’s energy transition path and to cleaner and more sustainable healthcare. This can reduce the total cost of drilling operations, waste handling, personal health, and safety, as well as provide environmental solutions to improve the environmental standing of drilling fluids further.”