Difference between revisions of "Waste biomass recycling"
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==Urine== | ==Urine== | ||
| − | Most terrestrial [[animal|animals]] flush waste from their bodies with [[water]], producing [[urine]]. | + | Most terrestrial [[animal|animals]] flush waste from their bodies with [[water]], producing [[feces|urine]]. |
===Industrial Chemicals=== | ===Industrial Chemicals=== | ||
Urine contains [[ammonia]] and [[urea]], both useful in industry. [[Saltpeter]] is harvested from stale urine. | Urine contains [[ammonia]] and [[urea]], both useful in industry. [[Saltpeter]] is harvested from stale urine. | ||
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===Compost and Feed=== | ===Compost and Feed=== | ||
| − | Much of the waste biomass of a settlement will be used to feed the organisms in the [[greenhouse|greenhouses]]. [[Plants]], [[algae]], and certain [[fish]] and [[insects]] feed directly on waste biomass. A [[compost]] heap is easy to maintain, even in a Martian settlement. Decayed plant remnants and feces, combined with charcoal and lactic acid fermentation, mixed with [[regolith]], gives a high value humus, called [[Terra Preta]]. This would be an excellent [[soil]] for the [[greenhouse]]. | + | Much of the waste biomass of a settlement will be used to feed the organisms in the [[greenhouse|greenhouses]]. [[Plants]], [[algae]], and certain [[fish]] and [[insects]] feed directly on waste biomass. A [[compost]] heap is easy to maintain, even in a Martian settlement. Decayed plant remnants and [[feces]], combined with charcoal and lactic acid fermentation, mixed with [[regolith]], gives a high value humus, called [[Terra Preta]]. This would be an excellent [[soil]] for the [[greenhouse]]. |
Revision as of 12:15, 14 November 2012
All settlements generate waste biomass as a direct result of their biological population. Waste biomass recycling is a vital part of any colonization strategy.
Contents
Bone
A settlement's initial supply of bone will be low, as the majority of farming will be plant-based.
Bone Ash
Bone ash is the result of burning bone. It is used in the manufacture of fertilizer and ceramics.
Bone Char
Bone char is created by charring bone. It is useful in filters, where it acts similarly to charcoal. It captures metals such as fluorine, copper, and zinc. Bone char is also used as a pigment.
Bone Meal
Crushed bone is used as a fertilizer.
Collagen and Gelatin
The bones and connective tissue of animals contain collagen, which can be extracted. The collagen can by hydrolyzed into gelatin, used in many foods and other products.
Urine
Most terrestrial animals flush waste from their bodies with water, producing urine.
Industrial Chemicals
Urine contains ammonia and urea, both useful in industry. Saltpeter is harvested from stale urine.
Fertilizer
Urine contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Water
Urine can be filtered or distilled to provide water. This method of water reclamation is used on the ISS.
Antiseptic
In extreme emergencies, urine can be used as an antiseptic.
Plant Remnants
Plants grown primarily for food and life support can provide several side benefits.
Paper
The cell walls of plants contain cellulose, the main component of paper.
Textiles
From grass mats to fine linen, humans have been using plant fibers to make textiles.
Other Goods
Corn husks, wheat stalks, and vines can be made into a variety of goods.
Construction Materials
Biomass has been used in construction since the beginning of human history. Wood is often used by itself to construct large structures. Dead plants can be mixed with cob or brick, adding strength.
Miscellaneous Biomass
Hydrocarbons
Many types of biomass are well suited to Hydrocarbon synthesis. Methane and other small hydrocarbons are produced naturally by certain types of microbes and cows as they feed on biomass.
Compost and Feed
Much of the waste biomass of a settlement will be used to feed the organisms in the greenhouses. Plants, algae, and certain fish and insects feed directly on waste biomass. A compost heap is easy to maintain, even in a Martian settlement. Decayed plant remnants and feces, combined with charcoal and lactic acid fermentation, mixed with regolith, gives a high value humus, called Terra Preta. This would be an excellent soil for the greenhouse.
