Envionment
Environment:
We apply recombinant DNA technology to improve selected microorganisms adapted to waste recycling, in the resource-poor settings.
Project_1:SMARTcompostTECHS
Composting is natural way of recycling. Organic matter is metabolized by microorganisms, under controlled aerobic conditions. Composting biodegrades organic waste and turns it into organic fertilizer. The resulting nutrients are returned to the soil to support plant growth. Under optimal conditions, composting proceeds through three phases: 1) the mesophilic, or moderate-temperature phase, which lasts for a couple of days, 2) the thermophilic, or high-temperature phase, which can last from a few days to several months, and finally, 3) a several-month cooling and maturation phase. Initial decomposition is carried out by mesophilic microorganisms, which rapidly break down the soluble, readily degradable compounds. As the temperature rises above about 40°C, the mesophilic microorganisms become less competitive and are replaced by thermophilic bacteria. At temperatures of 55°C and above, many microorganisms that are human or plant pathogens are destroyed. As the supply of high-energy compounds becomes exhausted, the compost temperature gradually decreases and mesophilic microorganisms once again take over for the final phase of "curing" or maturation of the remaining organic matter.
The Biotech tropicana SMARTcompostTECHS aim 1)to explore the microbial ecology of composting microorganisms in representative areas in the resource-poor settings, 2) to isolate and characterize these microorganisms, 3) to improve selected composting microorganisms for higher efficiency using recombinant DNA technology, 4) to innovate new composting procedures and technologies adapted to the resource and expertise of the resource-poor settings, 5) to develop strategies for implementation of large composting practices, in the resource-poor settings. Composting technologies hold the potential to promote overall development of the resource-poor settings, by improving public health conditions while increasing yields in food production. As a recycling process, composting may be used to clean the environment (public health benefit), and produce valuable fertilizers for use in agriculture.
Potential sites for experimental composting are under investigations at Biotech tropicana, IncEXPLORER. The resulting exploration data may be used for development of resource-poor adapted composting procedures and technologies (SMARTcompostingTECHS), at Biotech tropicana, IncENVIRONMENT.
Enviroment protection is recommended under point 7 of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The United Nations Task Force on Environment Sustainability discussed development gains in investing in environment protection in "Environment and Human Well-Being: A Pratical Strategy. Available at http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/documents/Environment-complete-lowres.pdf . Accessed March 2, 2010.