Articles tagged with Composts
Researchers have developed an enzyme that can break down polyurethane in shoe foams, a significant step towards recycling plastic waste. The enzyme, based on a bacterium found in compost, can degrade polyurethane at lower temperatures and pressures than current recycling technologies.
A team at Virginia Tech developed a water-based process to create multilayer bioplastic films that are both high-performing and easier to manufacture. The method avoids toxic solvents and matches current industrial production speeds, making it viable for real-world use.
Researchers at UTIA and UT Knoxville create an automated sensor network to monitor compost piles, reducing labor costs and improving regulatory compliance. The new system uses battery-free sensors and machine learning algorithms to analyze temperature and moisture variations, enabling data-driven decision making.
The conversion of waste lignocellulosic biomass into high-value soil amendments can enhance soil structure, increase water retention, and lock away carbon. Several technological pathways are explored, including slow pyrolysis, mild torrefaction, and solid-state fermentation.
A new meta-analysis of 125 studies reveals that adding biochar to composting systems boosts compost quality and slashes harmful greenhouse gas emissions by up to 51%. Biochar improves aeration, holds nutrients, and creates a favorable habitat for beneficial microbes, accelerating the composting process.
Researchers developed a real-time dashboard for monitoring biomass, carbon stocks and energy demand at a local level. This allows for targeted interventions, saving millions of shillings by preventing deforestation and reducing future energy crises.
A new study found that adding green-synthesised iron nanoparticles (G-nFe) to pig manure neutralises bioavailable copper, reducing environmental risks. The process reduces exchangeable cooper by 66.8%, carbonate-bound copper by 47.5%.
A team of researchers at the University of Washington has developed a novel method for 3D printing objects using a mixture of coffee grounds, brown rice flour, and Reishi mushroom spores. The resulting material is compostable, lightweight, and strong, with a density similar to that of polystyrene foam.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a low-carbon system that transforms materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, producing high-quality chemicals and fuels. The technology achieves a purity of around 90% in a process that takes only a few minutes.
A new study reveals that US state policies are falling short of reducing food waste, with only California, Vermont, and Arizona projected to achieve the goal. Current policies focus on recycling methods, but experts suggest a shift towards prevention and rescue strategies is needed to address food insecurity.
A new method predicts the makeup of municipal solid waste with unprecedented detail, allowing waste managers to forecast specific materials and plan accordingly. This improvement enables more efficient recycling and landfill operations, making sustainable waste management a practical reality.
Researchers found that composting aquatic vegetation simultaneously eradicates habitat for disease-carrying snails while improving agricultural output and increasing incomes in northern Senegal. The finding has the potential to aid rural residents caught in a vicious cycle of poverty and disease.
A new experimental study has found that cockroaches and maggots can efficiently break down invasive seaweed into a high-quality compost. This discovery offers promising prospects for the bio-recycling of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae and its management in circular economy applications.
A study on Posidonia seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean Sea reveals surprising results: dead leaves break down like compost, producing oxygen through photosynthetic organisms. The researchers also found a two-way exchange between macroalgae on rocks and seagrass, with organic molecules diffusing between them.
A new study from the University of Maryland suggests that boosting urban soil health with compost and treated manure can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria. The research found that amended soils had lower levels of antibiotic-resistant strains and more beneficial bacteria.
Researchers discovered high levels of multidrug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in commercially available compost, soil, and flower bulbs. The fungus poses a significant risk to human health, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed a biodegradable form of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filled with bacterial spores from Bacillus subtilis. The material breaks down in compost environments within five months, even without additional microbes.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores the effects of curbside compost collection programs in New South Wales, Australia. On average households redirected 4.2 kilograms of waste to composting, representing 25% of the waste that previously went to landfills.
Researchers found that blueberries infected with Colletotrichum fioriniae emit odors repelling spotted-wing drosophila. By recreating this aroma, farmers can trick flies into perceiving healthy fruit as infected, reducing the need for insecticides.
A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.
A UK-wide study found that 60% of home-compostable plastics do not fully disintegrate in home compost bins, ending up in soil. The study highlights the need to revise and redesign sustainable plastic waste management systems.
A new approach to composting in agriculture could improve crop yields, soil health, and divert biowaste from landfills, addressing global food security concerns. The study estimates PCS could boost annual global production of major cereal crops by 96 million tonnes.
Researchers found that compost and compost-enriched soils contain high concentrations of Aspergillus fumigatus spores, which can cause serious lung infections. Handling compost exposes individuals to large numbers of aerosolized spores, highlighting the need for behavioral changes and industry action
Researchers have developed a biodegradable polymer coating that can block grease and oil in compostable paper packaging, reducing environmental impact. The coating's ester linkages break apart in water, allowing microorganisms to degrade it.
A study found that commercial composts contain more airborne pathogens than backyard composts, while immature compost samples have high levels of antibiotic resistance genes. The researchers hope to improve their detection method to assess the threat to humans.
Researchers applied compost to apple orchards, finding it increased the number of beneficial bacteria that recycle nutrients. This leads to more nutrients available for apple trees, reducing the need for fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a method to make biodegradable plastics break down easily in weeks, solving the problem of single-use plastics not being biodegradable. The process involves embedding polyester-eating enzymes in the plastic, which degrades into small molecules when exposed to heat and water.
Researchers have developed an enzyme-activated compostable plastic that can break down into its building blocks and be reformed into a new product. This innovative material has the potential to diminish microplastics pollution and offers a promising solution for plastics upcycling.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that using compost as daily cover at landfills can have significant environmental benefits, including reducing eutrophication and acidification. In contrast, using compost to amend soil can be more effective in reducing abiotic resource depletion potential.
A new study suggests that rural communities in Vermont are already managing their food waste effectively through composting and feeding scraps to pets or livestock. While support for banning food waste is high, only a minority of residents are willing to pay for curbside compost pickup programs.
Researchers found that adding compost and cover crops to organic-certified systems increased soil carbon content by 12.6% over a 19-year period, outperforming the international '4 per 1000' initiative. This approach stores more carbon than previously calculated, highlighting the importance of balancing diet for microorganisms in soils.
A long-term study in California's Salinas Valley found that annual cover cropping significantly benefits soil health, while organic matter from compost has relatively small effects. The research suggests innovative strategies to increase cover cropping adoption, improving soil quality and sustainability.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit kill invasive jumping worm cocoons, potentially limiting their spread. This finding could inform strategies to slow or stop the worms' invasion through heat-treated compost and potted plants.
Researchers found that compostable food packaging can leach per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into compost, raising concerns about potential health effects on crops. The study's results contributed to the passage of a bill banning PFAS in paper food packaging in Washington state.
A French research project aims to repurpose Sargassum seaweed for composting in the French West Indies, addressing environmental concerns. Scientists will analyze pollutants and degradation processes to ensure safe applications.
Researchers created a composite material combining natural rubber with nanocarbons derived from compost, demonstrating improved electrical resistivity and potential applications as sealants and sensors. The study provides an eco-friendly alternative to carbon black fillers, which are commonly used in rubber products.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a new method called hyperthermophilic composting that kills bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes. This process can reduce the spread of these genes in agricultural environments, making organic fertilizers safer for use.
A new study by Ohio State University found that a composting program in Costa Mesa, California led to residents increasing their energy and water conservation efforts. The research suggests that when people start engaging in one environmentally friendly behavior, they are more likely to adopt other pro-environmental habits.
A study by UBC researchers found that placing bins 1.5 metres away from suite doors increases recycling and composting rates by 141%, with a 70% increase in composting rates in apartment buildings. The study suggests that small changes in convenience can significantly impact environmental behavior.
A study found that campus composting programs effectively raise students' knowledge of composting and environmental issues. The programs also promote a more internal locus of control, encouraging students to take action towards solving future environmental problems.
Researchers found that compost can establish growing media pH similar to limestone, reducing the need for peatmoss and limestone. Compost provides supplemental nutrition, suppresses disease-causing organisms, and can be used as a limestone substitute for pH establishment.
Researchers from Concordia University found that vermicomposting can inactivate harmful bacteria like E. coli in compost, producing high-quality material for plant fertilizers. The worms also generate valuable by-products as animal feed, promoting sustainable waste management and upcycling.
Compost bedded barns showed significantly fewer cases of claw lesions, such as foot rot and white line disease, compared to freestall cubicle barns. Daily aeration and fresh bedding also improved social interaction among dairy cows.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that converting lawns to vegetable gardens can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study modeled the effect of household gardens on emissions, finding a reduction of 2 kilograms for every kilogram of homegrown vegetables compared to store-bought counterparts.
A University of Washington-led study finds that the benefits of locally produced vegetables in cities outweigh any risks from gardening in contaminated soils. Compost can dilute lead levels and make it less hazardous to eat, especially for root vegetables like carrots.
A new University of Washington study confirms that composting food scraps is the right thing to do for the environment. Composting significantly reduces methane emissions from landfills compared to sending food waste to landfills.
Researchers used biosolids to create a soil blend that supported healthy bacteria, fungus, and plants, outperforming traditional compost in restoring the degraded surface area of Lake Calumet Cluster Site. The 'dream treatment' has potential to restore poor quality soils in Chicago's dense urban areas.
Comparing conventional, compost, and organic strawberry production systems reveals positive net returns and significant reductions in negative environmental impacts. The nonfumigated compost system and organic system show considerable reductions in acute and chronic human health risks, as well as groundwater pollution risk.
A novel gill net called Tekken has been found to catch coconut rhinoceros beetles with high effectiveness. Researchers are now using this technology to control beetle populations and monitor breeding sites.
Three native Mediterranean plant species were found suitable for use in extensive green roof design. Locally produced grape marc compost promoted drought resistance without compromising plant growth. Substrate depth and irrigation frequency had varying effects on the plants' growth, but shallow compost-amended substrate with sparse irr...
A study by the University of Strathclyde found that Legionella bacteria exist in a significant number of commercial compost products in the UK. The research suggests that the bacteria are widespread in composts and could be a source of infection, especially if proper precautions are not taken.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that extinct human microbes from archeological sites closely resemble those found in present-day rural African communities. The study suggests that the modern cosmopolitan lifestyle resulted in a dramatic change to the human gut microbiome.
Researchers found that three earthworm species can remove up to 75% of heavy metals from waste, producing rich compost without accumulating toxins in crops. The worms' digestive system facilitates the separation of metal ions, allowing for safe disposal of organic waste.
Using fabric ground covers in organic production allows farmers to control weeds, hold down costs, and maintain soil health. The study found that fabric covers limited water penetration and reduced soil levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Composted dairy manure solids significantly improve soil physical and chemical properties, reducing density and pH while increasing organic matter and nutrient concentrations. The treatment also enhances the establishment and growth of selected ornamental plants.
A previously fit man contracted Legionnaire's disease after cutting his finger on compost, highlighting the risk of infection through gardening activities. The UK Royal Horticultural Society has announced cautionary statements on potting compost bags to warn gardeners about this rare but serious risk.
New eco-friendly cremation methods use low-heat processes and break down corpses into soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A corpse composting method turns bodies into natural soil without a sealed casket, providing environmentally friendly burial options
A two-year field study found that compost filter socks reduced sediment concentration by 49% in runoff from tilled fields, but had no effect on no-till fields. The filter socks also decreased herbicide alachlor and glyphosate concentrations by 18% and 5%, respectively.
A two-year study found that pine needle mulch outperforms compost mulches in controlling weeds in highbush blueberry crops. The research team recommends continuing to topdress pine needles or similar mulches annually to maintain effectiveness.