Washington State University -- Impact 2002
Converting Manure to Energy and ChemicalsSUMMARY
- Researchers at Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest Laboratory in Richland are working jointly on basic research to turn animal waste into low-cost energy, animal feed supplements and valuable chemicals.
ISSUE
- U.S. livestock produce about 160 millions of tons of waste annually, according to the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (1995). Animal waste is commonly applied on agricultural land as fertilizer. However, in areas where livestock are concentrated, excess nitrogen and phosphates from manure applications can pollute surface and ground waters.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE
- Scientists at Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest Laboratory in Richland, Washington, are doing basic research on the use of animal manure to produce industrial chemicals, protein supplements for animal feed and low-cost energy. Most previous research has focused on use of anaerobic digestion, a biological process using bacteria, to convert animal waste into methane gas. The methane, in turn, is burned like natural gas for heating or electrical. This research will employ a chemical conversion developed by PNNL.
IMPACT
- As a fertilizer, dried manure is worth about one cent a pound, according to Don Stevens of the PNNL. He estimates that the value rises to 40 cents a pound if the manure is converted to various chemicals that are currently produced with petroleum products. The project could result in some environmental benefits by minimizing manure-caused pollution. In terms of energy production, one cow's average daily droppings translate into about three kwh of electrical energy, according to "Barnyard Power," a story in the December 2001 issue of Popular Science. That's more than enough energy to burn a 100 watt bulb for a day.
PRIMARY AREA OF IMPACT
- Research
FUNDING:
- Department of Energy
Hatch Act
State
COUNTIES:
- The principal counties served are Whatcom, Yakima
CONTACT:
- None