Applied Research
- Potential Contaminants from Composting Leaves and Grass. To research potential contaminants found in yard waste including percentage of non-degradable materials through a bulk curbside collection, the heavy metal content of the final compost and potential nitrogen leaching due to high rates of grass additions to the composting process. Research Design and Data Analysis
- Bench-Scale Composting Research on Bag Biodegradability, for Archers Daniel Midland, Chicago, Illinois. To design bench-scale composter and methodology to test the biodegradability of cornstarch bags under controlled laboratory conditions. Subsequent institution of collection pilot to evaluate both curbside bag durability and degradability of bags through windrow-turn composting approach. Research Design, Field Research.
- Field Test of the Biodegradability of Coated Paper Products, under a grant from The American Forest and Paper Association. To conduct field trial so to ascertain how well coated milk cartons and coated paper, would decompose through each stage of a three phase composting process utilizing an agitated bay, in-vessel composting system. Research Designer and Data Analysis
- Biodegradable Plastic Bag Field Research Pilot, for Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and Marlborough, MA, in conjunction with Bedminster Bioconversion. To characterize collected MSW going to an in-vessel co-composting facility to ascertain film plastic weight (wet) in relationship to other waste stream components, both curbside field test for biodegradable bag integrity and in-situ tests at the facility to ascertain biodegradability. Research Design and Data Analysis