Innovative Solutions to the Hidden Sand Crisis
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Chapter 1: The Unseen Crisis
In 2021, the world is grappling with a significant issue that jeopardizes the very foundations of our ecosystem, yet it remains largely unrecognized. The crisis? A diminishing supply of sand.
Sand is essential for a myriad of everyday products, from the glass in our windows and vehicles to the toothpaste we use and the tiles in our bathrooms. It plays a vital role in creating industrial concrete, which comprises 65-75% sand. The extraction of this critical resource from shorelines and riverbeds is escalating daily, presenting challenges in regulation, measurement, and replenishment.
We inhabit a structure built on sand, and the supply is rapidly depleting.
Mirjam Mai, an industrial chemist, is spearheading efforts to tackle the global sand shortage through her company, Fibrilex. According to the UNEP, approximately 47 to 59 billion tonnes of sand and gravel are extracted annually. In the past two decades, our consumption of sand has tripled, yet its natural formation can take hundreds to millions of years. The current extraction rates render replenishment an impossibility.
The demand for sand has led to illegal practices, with organized crime syndicates emerging in the black market, occasionally making headlines due to their violent methods. However, the broader implications of sand extraction often go unnoticed.
The ramifications extend beyond mere scarcity; the sand extraction process devastates coastlines and riverbanks, disrupts ecosystems, and displaces communities. In Cambodia, for instance, illegal sand mining has led to the erosion of homes along the Mekong Delta. Even in the United States, sand mining has exacerbated flooding and environmental destruction, as evidenced by the 2017 Hurricane Harvey in Houston, with projections indicating that up to 67% of Southern California's beaches could vanish by 2100 due to these practices.
The sand crisis is not merely an industrial concern; it is an environmental catastrophe, a hub for criminal activity, and a significant human rights issue. The metaphorical sandcastle is indeed crumbling.
Section 1.1: A Chemist's Journey
Mirjam's expertise lies in engineering solutions to complex challenges. With a history of developing innovative materials—such as carbon fibers from wood and biodegradable packaging—she is driven by the potential for sustainable practices that utilize renewable resources.
Her journey began with a fascination for solving intricate problems, initially inspired by crime novels and her aspiration to become a forensic pathologist. However, her career path shifted after witnessing the creativity involved in industrial chemistry during factory open days.
After completing her degrees in chemistry, Mirjam relocated to Canada in 2010 for her post-doctoral research in biomaterials. By 2019, she became aware of the sand crisis and was motivated by a patent from FPInnovations that proposed a solution, albeit a cumbersome one.
"Someone should take action on this," she expressed to a friend, who encouraged her to pursue it, leading her to resources for science-based startups.
In 2021, Mirjam began developing engineered sand that could be integrated into a novel form of concrete, ensuring her prototypes were robust enough for further testing.
Chapter 2: Fibrilex's Innovative Approach
Fibrilex is pioneering a process to upgrade sand using renewable binders, which will allow concrete manufacturers to utilize sand sourced from deserts and dunes. Despite the vast amounts of sand in deserts, it has not been traditionally viable for construction due to its smooth texture.
Sand extracted from rivers and coastlines is angular, facilitating stronger concrete bonding. In contrast, desert sand's rounded grains have hindered its use in the industry. This discrepancy has led to the transportation of unsuitable sand types across regions like Texas.
Fractured sand producers, who mine dune sand for fracking, are now seeking alternative markets due to a downturn in demand. Mirjam's innovative sand upgrading method transforms smooth grains into a form suitable for concrete production, effectively addressing multiple challenges.
This approach not only reduces the need for ocean and river sand but also enables construction in desert areas to utilize locally sourced materials, minimizing environmental impact.
Section 2.1: Building a Team
Most of Mirjam's work occurs remotely, as her small team collaborates online to apply for grants, forge partnerships, and conduct tests. Despite the lack of in-person meetings, the team has achieved significant progress and recognition, including awards at the Coast Capital Savings Venture Connection.
As a female entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated field, Mirjam has encountered unique challenges. "In my last job, I was the only woman, apart from co-op students," she shares.
Navigating this landscape requires adaptability, particularly regarding gender dynamics. Mirjam emphasizes the importance of female mentorship, which offers understanding and support regarding the balance of family and career responsibilities.
In a surprising twist, all three members of the Fibrilex team are women, which reflects a trend that often occurs when women lead.
Section 2.2: A Vision for the Future
As Mirjam dedicates herself fully to Fibrilex, she envisions expanding her team and attracting investment partners, with hopes of eventually partnering with a larger industry player. With the right support, her innovative sand modification technology could revolutionize construction, addressing numerous issues with a singular solution.
Contemplating the sand crisis can be overwhelming, leading to concerns about the sustainability of our coastlines and the future of our planet. However, if one adopts Mirjam's perspective, the solution may be found in the minutiae, perhaps even in individual grains of sand. By focusing on the details, we may discover that the answer has always been there, waiting to be unveiled, and then, just possibly, we can set to work on a solution.