The Project
For this project, we attempted to utilize biotechnology in order to solve a problem in the world. My group decided to try to reduce acid rain by creating an alternative fuel using bacteria. We designed an anaerobic digester that uses bacteria to convert manure and other organic waste into a biogas that can be used to fuel electric generators.
Biology
Acid rain occurs when the sulfur dioxide and nitric oxides released from coal burning react with the water in the atmosphere. They form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, both of which are harmful to the environment. The rain can kill crops and other organisms, which can disrupt ecosystems. The sulfuric acid also diminishes limestone deposits in aquatic ecosystems, which leads to ocean acidification.
Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide that can be burned as a fuel source. To make it, anaerobic bacteria break down manure in a structure called a digester. Biogas, unlike coal, does not produce acidic compounds, making it a safer alternative fuel.
Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide that can be burned as a fuel source. To make it, anaerobic bacteria break down manure in a structure called a digester. Biogas, unlike coal, does not produce acidic compounds, making it a safer alternative fuel.
Reflection
This project went very well. One reason for this was that the group communicated well. For example, while some of us were working on the slideshow, the others were working on our action plan. Another reason is that the whole group had excellent work ethic. Everyone was working on the project for nearly the entire class every day.
Although the project went smoothly, there are still some things I need to work on. For one, my time management was not great. We were not able to practice our presentation because we ran out of time. While I have improved, I still need to work on preparing for presentations. I felt that the group as a whole was unprepared to present when we had to go up.
Although the project went smoothly, there are still some things I need to work on. For one, my time management was not great. We were not able to practice our presentation because we ran out of time. While I have improved, I still need to work on preparing for presentations. I felt that the group as a whole was unprepared to present when we had to go up.
I worked on this project with Bryce Bernales, Juan Castaneda, and Cais Wang.