Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: A Multi-Trophic Sustainable Food Production System Integrating Aquaponics and Bio-Waste Recycling

EPA Grant Number: SU836140
Title: A Multi-Trophic Sustainable Food Production System Integrating Aquaponics and Bio-Waste Recycling
Investigators: Burton, Dudley J
Institution: California State University - Sacramento
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2015) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Chemical Safety

Objective:

The primary objective of this project was to construct a working prototype of a multi-trophic sustainable closed-loop system (MTSS) on the CSUS campus. It uses bio-wastes (green, brown, and food wastes) diverted from landfills as a resource to produce high quality protein feed through vermicomposting and insect farming to raise fish and plants for human consumption thereby closing the gap between waste and consumption. Additional objectives were to establish bio-waste to protein feed energy conversion efficiency by measuring the ratio of energy contained in bio-wastes to worm and insect energy outputs as measured in kilocalories. In addition, the energy conversion from worm and insect feed to fish and plant production was measured. The last objective was to prepare educational and outreach materials for academic and regional communities

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

Results thus far have included the construction and implementation of the prototype MTSS system including the establishment of food and organic pre-consumer waste collection procedures from all campus eateries. In addition, a central collection and processing area has been established and processing protocols for mixing, macerating and pre-composting bio-wastes have been completed. Lastly, construction of earthworm and black soldier fly larvae conversion bins have been completed. 2 Sampling protocols for measuring the energy in bio-wastes have been established and preliminary caloric content data have been collected. Sampling protocols have also been established for measuring the dry weight of earthworms and insects and their caloric energy are also underway and will be completed by July 2016. Finally, educational and outreach materials have been developed in the form of pamphlets, video and digital media presentations, and oral presentations by faculty and students. This information has been disseminated throughout the campus academic community, through k-12 tours and presentations for regional schools, through curriculum development for k-12 during teacher training, and through cooperative efforts with numerous community groups and organizations.

Conclusions:

As a project of the Sacramento capital city’s university, the MTSS project has been unifying project, not just for students, faculty and staff at Sacramento State, but also for the local community and state legislature around a common sustainability goal. Local and State officials are looking to CSU, Sacramento (Sac State) as an example of a working model for what any local community across the country can do when they work together and begin to use waste as a resource. This project is also creating unique educational experiences for local K-12 schools would not have otherwise had; weekly school tours give students valuable hands on experience with cutting edge science. This collaboration of academia and University Facilities embraces the idea of using the campus as a living laboratory where Sac State students are integral to determining financially viable bioconversion methods for the campus. Students are not just learning about the science, but also about the real world applications of the work they are doing.

Supplemental Keywords:

Waste diversion, waste processing, upcycling, hydroponics, aquaculture, environmental education, urban agriculture, local economic development, food desert.

Relevant Websites:

www.csus.edu/STORC Exit

www.csus.edu/envs Exit

www.csus.edu/sustainability Exit

www.csus.edu/STEM Exit