University of Florida chooses Myno Carbon for sargassum-to-biochar water project

Myno Carbon has been selected by the University of Florida to participate in a research project aimed at transforming sargassum, a problematic coastal biomass, into enhanced biochar for water treatment. The project, led by UF Professor Dengjun (Kevin) Wang with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, combines expertise in water quality, biochar science, and pyrolysis. Myno Carbon specializes in biochar and pyrolysis, the process of converting biomass into stable carbon-rich material, and is capable of delivering large-scale biochar projects.

The research seeks to address the environmental challenge posed by sargassum, which, while beneficial in open-ocean ecosystems, creates significant issues when it accumulates along coastlines. These accumulations can disrupt near-shore ecosystems, tourism, and coastal communities. The project aims to convert collected sargassum into biochar and evaluate its effectiveness in removing contaminants and improving water quality.

The study is particularly relevant in 2026, as researchers anticipate a significant increase in sargassum levels, with record amounts already observed in the Caribbean and Gulf regions. The University of Florida project explores whether harvested sargassum can be processed through pyrolysis to create biochar for water-treatment applications, such as contaminant capture in oyster beds.

For Myno Carbon, this research extends its work in developing enhanced biochar for environmental challenges, including remediation of PFAS, petroleum hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. CEO Thor Kallestad describes the project as an example of Biochar 3.0, which moves beyond traditional uses and economic reliance on carbon credits, toward carbon materials designed for specific environmental applications.

The pyrolysis process not only transforms biomass into biochar but also adds a carbon-management dimension to the project, focusing on waste utilization and water quality. This collaboration with the University of Florida and EPA Region 4 allows Myno Carbon to apply its capabilities to a unique feedstock and advance biochar science in solving complex environmental problems.

Myno Carbon's commitment to sustainable carbon solutions involves working with universities, government agencies, and industry partners to develop new applications for biochar in environmental remediation and carbon management. Organizations interested in collaborating with Myno Carbon can find more information at MynoCarbon.com.