Experts from the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), have provided technical guidance to a group of students from Nguyễn Khuyến High School in their project titled “Recycling Rice Straw Waste and Animal Bones to Produce Phosphorus-Potassium Compound Fertilizer for Pollution Reduction.”
The project was initiated by two 10th-grade students — Dương Thanh Lâm and Nguyễn Minh Khuê (class 10A6, academic year 2022–2023) — who observed that a large amount of rice straw is burned indiscriminately and significant quantities of animal bones are discharged into the environment as solid waste, contributing to pollution. Recognizing that rice straw ash is rich in potassium and animal bones contain high levels of calcium and phosphorus, they proposed a solution to utilize rice straw, husks, and animal bone waste as raw materials for producing low-cost phosphorus–potassium (P–K) compound fertilizer.
During the project, students learned how to apply classroom chemistry knowledge to synthesize compound P–K fertilizer from rice husks and animal bone waste. This hands-on experience helped them become more engaged in learning and deepened their understanding of how scientific knowledge can address real-world challenges. The project also provided an opportunity for students to explore the practical applications of science and technology, inspiring greater interest in research and discovery. Ultimately, this experience helped them bridge theory with practice, identify their strengths and interests, and guide their future career choices. Moreover, the project produced a tangible product that benefits both the school and the community by transforming organic waste into safe and useful resources.
The solution, “Production of Phosphorus-Potassium Compound Fertilizer from Rice Straw and Animal Bone Waste,” significantly enhanced students’ abilities to apply knowledge in practice, built their confidence and enthusiasm for learning, and aligned with education reform goals aimed at improving teaching methods and quality. Additionally, the project familiarized them with research planning and production process design. Most importantly, the fertilizer produced from rice straw and bone waste offers multiple benefits:
- Helps reduce environmental pollution.
- Provides essential nutrients to crops, enhancing yield and quality.
- Enriches soil nutrients, improves fertility, and contributes to soil restoration.
The success of this project was made possible through the dedicated mentorship of faculty members from the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences at VNU, particularly the active support of Dr. Bùi Thị Thanh Hương. The project’s outcomes not only hold significant practical value but also help cultivate students’ passion for science, inspiring confidence and a lasting love for research.
Nguyễn Khuyến High School expressed its gratitude to the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Sciences, VNU, for their support and sponsorship under the framework of the “Effective Career Guidance Triangle 2023” project by the Borderless Education Management Network – EduLightenUp. This initiative has provided valuable opportunities for student-led learning projects, hands-on experiences, and career development.
Source: kinhtemoitruong.vn