• A study by researchers at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has demonstrated that discarded tea leaves can be transformed into bioethanol, a clean and renewable energy source.
• The research, conducted by Dr. Shruti Sarma and Dr. Rajib Saha, was published in the journal Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery.
  

About the Innovation

• The study explores how used tea waste (spent Camellia sinensis leaves) — normally discarded after brewing — can be converted into bioethanol through advanced nanotechnology.
• This provides a non-food-based biofuel alternative, avoiding the food-versus-fuel conflict associated with conventional bioethanol sources (like maize or sugarcane).
  

Key Scientific Process

• Researchers used an iron–zinc oxide (Fe–ZnO) nanocatalyst to accelerate the chemical conversion process.
• Nanoparticles (30–50 nanometers) enabled faster catalytic reactions with minimal energy loss.
• A microwave-assisted process was used to reduce reaction time from several hours to minutes.
• The method achieved an impressive 75% yield of bioethanol from tea waste.

Significance of the Study

• Waste to Wealth: Converts abundant tea waste into a valuable renewable fuel, reducing landfill load.
• Eco-friendly Energy: Provides a clean, non-food-based bioethanol source, supporting sustainable energy goals.
• Low-Carbon Innovation: Promotes circular economy and aligns with India’s ethanol blending target (20% by 2025).
• Regional Impact: Benefits Northeast India’s tea industry, creating new green livelihood opportunities.
• Technological Advancement: Demonstrates nanocatalyst and microwave-assisted methods for faster, efficient, and sustainable fuel production.
  

Key Facts for Prelims

• Raw Material: Spent Camellia sinensis (tea) leaves.
• Catalyst Used: Iron–Zinc Oxide (Fe–ZnO) nanocatalyst.
• Process: Microwave-assisted catalytic conversion.
• Yield: ~75% bioethanol.
• Byproducts: None toxic; process minimizes energy loss.
• Researchers: Dr. Shruti Sarma and Dr. Rajib Saha, USTM Meghalaya.
• Published In: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery (2025).
  

Statement-Based MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements about the recent study conducted by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM):

1. The study demonstrated that discarded tea leaves can be converted into bioethanol using nanocatalyst technology.
   
2. The process used an Iron–Zinc Oxide (Fe–ZnO) catalyst and achieved nearly 75% yield through a microwave-assisted reaction.
   
3. The study relies on food crops such as maize and sugarcane for ethanol production.
   
4. India is one of the largest producers of tea, making this technology contextually significant.
   

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: (b)  

SOURCE