Ten different projects, but all of them with a lot in common. On the one hand, they are green initiatives, which seek to take care of the planet in one way or another, either by reducing greenhouse gas emissions or, for example, waste thanks to the use of faeces or urine.
Original and most of the time surprising, although some of them cannot be in any way ideal for animal lovers. Even so, it cannot be denied that they constitute a step forward in environmental matters, whether in terms of recycling, reuse, energy generation and / or alternative to other products of chemical composition.
It is not only about the invention or its application, quite an achievement, without a doubt, but about achieving a more generalized application. The challenge, therefore, remains the same as always: its popularization. And, be that as it may, there is no doubt that they are an example of how much progress is being made on these issues. Discover with Green Ecologist 10 amazing green initiatives that use excrement.
Cow manure converted to biogas
The cow dung can be converted into energy, specifically into biogas. An example of this is the project that is being carried out with Dutch farmers at the initiative of the government in order to turn this system into an important source of energy for the country.
The problem of methane emissions from dairy cows is important and the aim is to curb it through a program of the Ministry of Economy through subsidized anaerobic digesters that convert manure into biogas with the help of bacteria. An energy that they can use and also sell.
Electricity with cow poop
The capture of methane and its conversion into electricity It is the project goal of a Chinese dairy company, which achieves it outstandingly. Specifically, they manage to generate enough electricity to cover the energy needs of 3,500 households Americans or, if you like, even many more Chinese homes, where energy consumption is lower.
It is the most productive system in the world when it comes to transforming electricity from the dung of 60,000 cows. In addition to saving electricity, emissions are avoided, while reducing waste, bad odors and improving the value of the manure compared to the original.
The usefulness of panda droppings
Ashli Brown, a scientist at Mississippi State University, has found that animal droppings can help produce a best biodiesel. The improvement would come from the hand of greater efficiency and the use of raw materials that require agricultural resources. Specifically, Brown and his team have found a valuable bacteria in panda bear droppings from the Memphis Zoo that can help develop a biofuel called butanol, with more energy than ethanol, efficiency and lower cost.
The key is in the process of making biofuels by decomposing plant matter, the same process carried out by the digestive system of animals. In addition to pandas, cows are being studied, but methane is an insurmountable inconvenience today.
Poultry manure converted to biogas
For a farm to mass animals is not ethical, obviously, but as a positive part we find the project of renewable energy rigged to a gigantic hen farm in Beijing, where 70 percent of the eggs consumed in the Chinese capital are produced.
The more than 200 tons of manure produced every day is converted into electricity thanks to a processing plant that extracts methane gas from compost to finally sell it to the power grid national.
Biodigester in a pig farm
Again a similar situation: a pig farm that, in addition to its sad reality for the animals, has a tremendous environmental impact. So far, nothing new: overcrowded animals, raised among dirt and bad smells by the meat industry, which also contributes to different types of pollution, such as greenhouse gas emissions.
Located in the state of Morelos, Mexico, however, it is differentiated by a project that has improved both the environmental problem and the health of the space. All thanks to a biodigester where the droppings of more than 17,000 animals are stored.
This reduces emissions and avoids pests and unbearable environments for workers but, above all, for animals. The methane burning it has not yet been converted into energy, but it is in the pipeline.
Agricultural fertilizer with urine
The urine is a biodegradable natural agricultural fertilizer effective and economical, which helps us take care of the planet. Its domestic use dates back to the mists of time, but its application at an intensive level is still a challenge.
Although it contains important nutrients for plants, on the other hand, human urine has traces of drugs, among other buts that stop its large-scale application. As notable successful projects, Vermont environmentalists worked with the Rich Earth Institute for use in hayfields to take advantage of the nitrogen and phosphorus it contains and thus avoid the huge expense often made on chemical fertilizers.
Recharge a phone battery
The degradation of organic matter It allows generate electricity. It is achieved through microbial fuel cells, for example transforming urine into energy through batteries that then create it, as proposed by a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Its director, Ioannis Leropoulos, and his team are trying to produce enough electricity to charge small mobile devices, such as phones. In short, if urine feeds bacteria and these also feed our devices by converting it into electrons, the ecological result is guaranteed.
Urine for fuel
Furthermore, according to Leropoulos, a scientist at the University of Bristol, in the United Kingdom, the urine it could be the key to making the fuel of the future. If the project continues to advance, it could not only power mobile devices but also become a green fuel with enormous potential.
Drinking water from urine
Chronic drought is an evil of our times. In the United States, where it is taking the lead in the transformation of gray water into drinking water, especially in southern areas, they have no choice but to build treatment plants that make it possible. Of course, they assure that the water is perfectly drinkable, although citizen apprehension continues to be a tricky matter.
Urine-powered robot
Returning to the Gates-funded project, researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a robot that works with electricity generated from urine. Again, microbial fuel cells are used that manage to generate it when the pee breaks down.
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