Grantee Research Project Results
Development of a Method to Convert Green and Animal Wastes to a Useful Agricultural Product with Possible Alternative Fuel Use
EPA Grant Number: SU833511Title: Development of a Method to Convert Green and Animal Wastes to a Useful Agricultural Product with Possible Alternative Fuel Use
Investigators: Meyer, W. Craig , Pracher, Mark
Current Investigators: Meyer, W. Craig , Mehta, Daniel , Ferree, Jeffrey , Kurpjuweit, Justin , Gilmore, Kandis , Owen, Kevin , Musser, Leslie , Ulery, Marion , Pracher, Mark , Farzaneh, Nicole
Institution: Pierce College
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008
Project Amount: $9,330
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2007) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
Challenge Area: EPA-G2007-P3-Z1 – Agriculture
We propose that a product composed of animal and green wastes will have application as an agricultural resource and/or a carbon neutral energy source. Green waste will be prepared to serve as a binder to produce a solid product when combined with animal wastes. A laboratory scale project will research methods to produce this product and test its performance as a soil amendment and as a solid fuel. Use of the product will reduce solid waste, improve water quality and provide an alternative energy source.
This project will: characterize the properties of green and animal wastes, develop methods to blend them into a product that will be nutrient-rich soil amendment and/or a fuel source, and test mixtures of the two wastes to determine the proportions yielding the best properties for use as a soil amendment or fuel.
This product represents a new approach toward waste use that combines two problem wastes to form a multiuse product that is clean and simple to produce. Previous treatment of these wastes by composting, biodigestion or pyrolysis are single use, more complex and produce unwanted byproducts.
The nutrient value of the product when used as a soil amendment will reduce the need for fertilizers which are derived from oil and reduce the impact of animal waste on our water supply. If used as a fuel, the product will not increase the levels of greenhouse gasses as it is carbon neutral since its carbon is derived from the atmosphere.
Green and animal wastes will be analyzed for nutrient and contaminant content. Test plantings will be used to compare the product to commercial fertilizers and unamended soil and its use as an alternative fuel will be tested using a bomb calorimeter.
Students gain experience in developing and conducting a research project. This sustainable technology will be integrated into the Environmental Science, Agriculture, Biology, and Chemistry curricula. If successful, the college will employ the technology for use on our 200-acre farm.
Supplemental Keywords:
Soil, Water, Groundwater, Global Climate, Animal, Alternatives, Sustainable Development, Clean Technologies, Innovative Technology, Renewable, Waste Reduction, Agriculture, Southwest, Region 9, California, CA,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Sustainable Industry/Business, POLLUTION PREVENTION, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Energy, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Environmental Engineering, sustainable development, environmental sustainability, alternative materials, biomass, alternative fuel, biodiesel fuel, energy efficiency, energy technology, alternative energy sourceProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.