Biology Department Seminar

Most alternative fuel research is centered on short- term carbon cycle crops. While this work has great potential, there are large quantities of short -term cycle organics that can be used for bioenergy as well as carbon sequestration using existing low cost technology. Properly managed garbage can be a significant portion of a solution for both fossil fuel displacement and enhanced soil carbon sequestration. Of the municipal solid waste stream, only a small fraction of food scraps (<2%) are currently diverted from landfills. This waste stream is characterized by high moisture content, relatively high nutrient value and readily degradable carbon content. Anaerobic digestion of food wastes has been tested and is full scale at a limited number of anaerobic digesters located at municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Addition of food waste to the digesters has been shown to triple CH4 output with no adverse effects on digester function. The residuals from digestion offer the potential for carbon credits both through fertilizer offsets and soil carbon accumulation. Sampling of farmers’ fields as well as research plots in California and Washington State have shown soil carbon increases as a result of biosolids and compost addition in the range of 0.3-1.5 Mg of CO2 per Mg amendment applied. The amendments also increase productivity of the soils through decreased soil bulk density and increased water holding capacity. Appropriate use of your banana peel can provide a significant cost effective solution to a range of concerns using well established and readily available technology.