The Michigan State University announced on May 29 that it will launch a technology for extracting clean water from livestock waste, a solution considered particularly effective for the livestock industry in arid regions with water scarcity.
The McLanahan Nutrient Separation System is an upgraded version of the existing anaerobic apparatus that has the capability to extract energy and chemicals from livestock waste. With the addition of a super filtration system, an air filtration unit, and a reverse osmosis system, the McLanahan Separation System can now extract water that is clean enough for livestock consumption.
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Image source: universityherald.com
Associate Professor of Microbiology and Agricultural Technology Steve Safferman stated that the system is highly valued for its resource conservation and environmental protection capabilities. According to Safferman, approximately 90% of livestock waste is water; the McLanahan technology can currently extract about 0.23 cubic meters of water from 0.45 cubic meters of waste, with a goal of increasing this to 0.3 cubic meters. It is estimated that 1,000 cattle will produce about 37,850 cubic meters of waste each year.
Professor Safferman mentioned that this technology will be very effective at farms in the western United States where drought is a significant issue. The ability to generate a source of clean water here could even determine the survival of a farm.
Livestock waste also contains a large amount of nutrients, carbon, and pathogens, components that can negatively impact the environment if not properly managed. Additionally, one challenge for this system is the handling of ammonia, which can evaporate and affect air quality.
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