Using Sewage Sludge As Fertilizer

February 7, 2003
Topic(s): Uncategorized

Source:
Martin B. Adjei mbadjei@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, (863) 735-1314

ONA, Fla. — Sewage sludge has the potential to boost production for certain crops while addressing the increase in the amount of waste and the growing scarcity of landfills, according to scientists at the University of Florida.

Using organic waste as fertilizer is not a new concept. Before the 1940s, when synthetic nitrogen fertilizer became widely available, animal manure and human waste were commonly used for improving crop yields around the world. This technique is receiving renewed interest as municipalities face increasing waste disposal challenges. (more…)

Biosensors

February 6, 2003
Topic(s): Uncategorized

Source:
Thomas Wright

View Photo

Stand-Alone Photo (No Story Available)

UF Researchers Developing Microbes And Plants To Detect Explosive Compounds In Soils

February 6, 2003
Topic(s): Uncategorized

By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 x 281

Source(s):
Lonnie Ingram ingram@ufl.edu, (352) 392-8176
William Gurley wgurley@ufl.edu, (352) 392-1568
Nemat Keyhani keyhani@ufl.edu, (352) 392-2488
Thomas Bobik bobik@ufl.edu, (352) 846-0957

View Photo

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — To detect toxic explosive residues in the soil – including unexploded artillery shells and other weapons – University of Florida researchers are using genetic engineering to modify microbes and plants that can be used as “biosensors” in former military training areas.

The three-year research project, supported by a $2.3 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency, will help clean up thousands of acres of land that have been used for military training in the United States and abroad. (more…)