rewee
بواسطة Reween MohamedHello everyone, I’m excited to share with you my environmental project called “Citrus Carbon Capture.” It’s a student-led experiment that explores how everyday citrus waste — like orange and lemon peels — can be turned into a natural, low-cost method to reduce carbon dioxide in the air.
The idea started with a simple question: Can something we throw away every day help solve one of the biggest environmental problems we face — climate change?
I noticed how much citrus waste is thrown away at home, in juice shops, and in school cafeterias. Most of it ends up in landfills, releasing methane gas, another harmful greenhouse gas. But citrus peels, especially from oranges and lemons, are full of pectin and cellulose — natural fibers known for their ability to absorb chemicals and gases.
So, I wondered: What if I could turn that waste into a tool to trap carbon dioxide?
To test this idea, I designed a small prototype system that filters air through dried citrus peel powder. First, I collected citrus waste, washed and sun-dried the peels, and then ground them into fine powder. To improve their ability to capture gas, I used a simple heating process to activate the powder and increase its surface area — kind of like what happens with activated charcoal.
Then, I created a setup where I could simulate carbon dioxide using a chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda. This mixture releases CO₂, and I passed that gas through a small filter filled with the citrus peel powder. To measure the result, I used limewater and a basic CO₂ sensor to check the levels before and after the air passed through the filter.
The results were really exciting. Both lemon and orange peels showed an ability to absorb carbon dioxide, with lemon peels being slightly more effective. Even though this was a small-scale test, the results confirmed that citrus waste has potential as a natural carbon capture material.
Now, I know this doesn’t compare to industrial carbon capture systems, but the goal of my project wasn’t to compete — it was to inspire. I wanted to show that even students with limited resources can come up with creative, local solutions to global challenges. We don’t always need expensive technology — sometimes, we just need to look at waste differently.
This project also reflects the principles of the circular economy, where waste isn’t seen as a problem, but as a resource. Instead of throwing citrus peels away, we can reuse them in eco-friendly systems — whether it’s for cleaning water, purifying air, or capturing CO₂.
Through this experience, I gained hands-on skills in experiment design, sustainability research, and science communication. I also learned how important it is to stay curious, to ask simple questions, and to use science to explore the answers.
To me, this project is just the beginning. In the future, I’d like to explore ways to scale this idea or combine citrus waste with other bio-based materials. I also hope to inspire others, especially students like me, to experiment with what they already have around them — because solutions to big problems often start with small, creative steps.
Thank you for listening, and I hope this project inspires you to see your waste — especially citrus waste — in a whole new light.
