Waste biomass recycling

All settlements generate waste biomass as a direct result of their biological population. Waste biomass recycling is a vital part of any colonization strategy.

Bone

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

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.

Plant Fiber

Paper

The cell walls of plants contain cellulose, the main component of paper.

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.

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