Biosolids... A Good Thing or Bad?

What exactly are bio solids? As unappealing as it may sound, bio solids are human waste. But did you know, bio solids from sewage treatment plants are treated and used as sustainable fertilizers throughout different parts of the world? According to studies, they consist of materials all significant for plant development. “They contain nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter as well as essential micro-nutrients such as copper, iron, molybdenum and zinc, all of which are important for plant growth and soil fertility” (Ontario: Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs). Though bio solids provide a wide range of uses, they also consist of negative factors. Now we must consider, is this method realistically safe? Before analyzing the pros and cons, let’s first take a look at how exactly bio solids are processed.

The process begins with bio solids first entering into the sewage system. Bio solids are then created through the domestic wastewater treatment generated from sewage treatment facilities.  In numerous larger wastewater treatment systems, pre-treatment regulations make it necessary that industrial facilities pre-treat their wastewater to eliminate hazardous contaminants before it is sent to a wastewater treatment plant. To ensure their recyclability and compatibility with the treatment plant process, wastewater treatment facilities monitor incoming waste water streams. Once the wastewater has reached the plant, the sewage undergoes physical, chemical and biological processes which in turn removes solids and cleans the wastewater. In addition, the solids can then be treated with lime, raising the pH level to eliminate intolerable odours. This sanitizing wastewater treatment process controls pathogens and other organisms capable of transporting disease.

Bio solids as we now know it is an organic source of fertilizer. One great advantage of using it is that much of the nitrogen, tied up in large molecules, is converted through chemical processes to forms of nitrogen that the plant can obtain. Due to this “slow release” chemical process, the nitrogen in bio solids has a greater availability during the growing season when plants need it. This is a major factor as to why organic fertilizers commonly outperform inorganic sources and produce exceptional crop yields. Bio solids are also capable of performing a number of other tasks. Not only do they improve crop production, but they reduce soil erosion and protect water quality, provide topsoil for recreational uses, enrich forest lands and converse landfill space. Furthermore, bio solids reduce the farmer’s production costs and helps in promoting farming practices.

Though bio solids are able to cater a number of positive factors, hazards and potential concerns still exist. It is believed that they can contain possible health risks due to factors such as contamination following deposits of industrial waste. Harmful chemicals may also be present which are possibly transferable to crops. The distinct odour is another factor which may be considered an inconvenience to others. Bio solids which contain nitrogen and phosphorus, in surplus can move underground or into surface water causing potential harm to animals.

Sources Used:

1. "Sewage Biosolids: A Valuable Nutrient Source." Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs / Ministère De L'Agriculture, De L'Alimentation Et Des Affaires Rurales. Web. 09 June 2011. <http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nasm/sewbiobroch.htm>.


2 . Janssen, Don. "Fertilizing with Biosolids." University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County. Web. 09 June 2011. <http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/biosolids/fertil.shtml>


3. "Research Projects." University of the District of Columbia. Web. 09 June 2011. <http://www.udc.edu/agricultural_center/research_projects.htm>


4. "Biosolids Fertilizers : Organic Lawn Care." Bestlawn.info. Web. 09 June 2011. <http://bestlawn.info/organic/biosolids-fertilizers-t3845.html>.


Blogs Commented on: 
1. Sarah's Blog
2. Joan's Blog

Scientific Technology – A Life Saver Indeed

Technology as we know it today is vastly evolving. Without the development of technologies, many of the things we prosper today would not even be possible. Medical technology used by doctors and nurses have been able to carry out a number of functions. Much work in identifying the different internal components of the body, a process which has been able to care for many treatments. Though we may not realize the prominence of the various types of technology, its uses has worked in beneficially impacting our daily lives in many different ways.

 

How you ever considered the amount of people that were saved by medical technology? It is probably too many to count! Medical technology focuses on the protection of human life. It plays an enormous role in the safety of human society working to prevent, detect, and cure illnesses. It has given ease in making such things possible so that medical assistance and attention can be provided more quickly and efficiently. The pacemaker is an example which can denote of development of technological use. It is a small batter-operated device that is implanted into the human body, usually in the upper chest, near the shoulder. The pacemaker, which tracks the heart’s electrical activity, assists your heart into meeting its regular beating rhythm. It is able to sense the speed of the heartbeat, hence, identifying if it is too slow, or consists of long pauses between beats. As a result, it helps stimulate the heart by sending an electrical impulse, which then keeps the heart beating at a suitable pace. The pacemakers sensing and pacing functions are “programmed” to meet the patient’s particular needs (The Cardiology Centre). The pacemaker’s ensures the survival of one’s life spam. It works in coping with a number of symptoms and such as bradycardia (heart rhythm that is too slow), heart block (blocked electrical impulses), and syncope (fainting). Witnessing this use of developed technology, the pacemaker works in dismissing such conditions and giving one the opportunity to enjoy and live a free lifestyle.

X-rays are another example of medical technology. They are a form of electromagnetic radiation which allows the examination of our internal body parts. A simple X-ray test can be tremendously informative. They are most commonly used to identify bone fractures, but are able to analyze a number of other conditions such as join injuries and infections, artery blockages, abdominal pain, and even cancer. X-rays, which are also frequently used in dental care, allow dentists to identify cavities as well as other problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw.   

Personally speaking, I believe technology is a major component of daily lives today, and will further continue to be. The advanced functions and capabilities of medical technologies have made so many things possible. Canadian contributions towards understanding our internal body systems have assisted in maintaining health and the focus of protecting human life. By being aware of its immense benefits, we need to acknowledge it is something we can’t afford to turn away.


Sources: 
1) http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/examinations/x-ray.htm
2) http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pace/pace_whatis.html
3) http://www.medicinenet.com/pacemaker/article.htm#what
4) http://blog.physiciansresource.net/medical-research/the-importance-of-medical-technology/
5) http://answers.yourdictionary.com/technology/why-is-technology-important.html

Comments:
1) Anker's Blog
2) Kendra's Blog

Industrial Agriculture vs Sustainable Agriculture

What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity is recognized as one of the world’s most valuable resources. It describes all various forms of life on earth, including plants, animals and other living species. Biodiversity is an essential part of existence as it provides us with the basic needs for human survival. Food, shelter, medicines, and the clean air we consume daily are all products of Biodiversity. Our world as we know it is a constantly developing habitation.  As a human population we require frequent needs of food sources for endurance, relying on farming as one of our initial ones. However we do not come to realize how these demands are met so promptly. By taking a look at Industrial and Sustainable farming, we can understand the negative or positive factors which apply to both, and how it makes an impact upon biodiversity and us as humans on earth.

Industrial Agriculture

Industrial agriculture is a modern process of farming which has overtaken earlier traditional methods. It allows the opportunity for providing humans with large quantities of food at cheaper costs. With our human population rapidly increasing, it seems as if industrial agriculture is the only solution to satisfy these high demands. Nonetheless, the harmful effects it marks upon biodiversity and the environment are not fully acknowledged. The environment is destroyed through the pollution and chemical threats of industrial agriculture. This mass destructing process diminishes the natural elements of our ecosystems, along with greatly reducing diversity within many plant and animal species. The process of Industrial agriculture puts the health and welfare of many organisms in threat, leaving them endangered and much more vulnerable. Vast amounts of pesticides and chemical fertilizers are also used, leaching them into the ground and further contaminating the environment which is surrounded. Industrial agriculture work as factories do – a massive pollution generating process – only worsening the environment around us.

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture is the process of naturally growing crops, without the use of chemicals and unnatural materials. It is a procedure which consists of great time usage, skill, and costs; however it has and will continue to make a better impact upon our surroundings. It is a more environmentally healthy and standard way of farming. It eliminates the destructive use of pesticides to our environment, making farming a more prominent and hazardless process. Not only does sustainable agriculture benefit our environment, but as humans we are affected by the food we eat. Naturally grown crops reassure good health and uncontaminated products, along with reducing the risks of particular types of cancer. Organic food products are also well sustained and provide better nourishment for us as humans. Sustainable farmers acknowledge the significance of growing well-nourished and healthy crops. They also seek to protect our environment, preventing it from danger and threats of pollution. It is the way of respecting nature, and looking out for future generations by preserving our land and its natural resources.

References:

1.      http://www.helium.com/items/703906-industrial-agriculture-and-the-loss-of-biodiversity

2.      http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/biodiversity/

3.      http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/advantages_and_disadvantages_organic_farming.html

4.      http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm

5.      http://eap.mcgill.ca/sustain.htm

Blogs Commented on:

1.      http://jessy3149.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-post.html?showComment=1300768419647#c4429900784317915179

2.      http://ankerlovesbio.blogspot.com/2011/01/feeding-growing-population-vs.html?showComment=1300769262506#c8497832912978839021

Designer Babies: Good or Bad Practice?

What are designer babies? It is a scientific term used by the media to describe the future of transforming and selecting our children’s genes for desirable characteristics. It also allows parents and doctors to use advanced reproductive technologies to screen embryos for genetic disorders and contribute in selecting healthy ones. This can influence parents’ decisions in choosing desired medical and cosmetic characteristics for their baby to possess. To reduce the chance for a child to be born with a genetic disorder, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is used to fertilize eggs with sperm on test tubes outside the mother’s body in a laboratory. Since this permits the ability to choose the sperm for the egg, it can also be used to determine the sex and the genes of the baby. IVF combined with genetic engineering ensures the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics in designing a baby. Though this extrordinary idea seems to be out of hand, it has become capable and experienced within mankind. This topic approaches many pros and cons that can not only benefit a mother, but can disrupt her child from truly becoming what nature planned it to grow up to be.



The above image represents the process of In Vitro Fertilization



The concept of designer babies can be considered a very controversial topic. Many people can acknowledge it as a good practice, providing beneficial factors towards the healthy birth of their child. Genetic screening is capable of reducing the baby’s odds of being born with several serious diseases, such as Down syndrome, Famial hypercholesterolemia, and rare types of blood disorders. Having the ability to design or alter a child’s medical condition is giving them the opportunity to grow up in a healthy state, avoiding the difficult circumstances they would have to face with genetic disorders. Adam Nash is recognized as the world’s first designer baby in the year 2000. Scientists were able to genetically select his embryo so that he would contain the right blood cells in order to save his dying sister’s life who was suffering from Fanconi’s anaemia, a severe blood disorder. This is a meaningful example of how Genetic processing for designer babies can be used to its greatest advantage – saving lives.

Nevertheless, genetic babies have also been looked discouragingly upon. Though the concept of genetic babies first evolved with checking embryos to avoid genetic disorders, the idea has developed to become something much more excessive. Cosmetic changes have been influenced upon, allowing parents to choose physical structure and characteristics for their child. I think his may seem like a remarkable idea, however, you must realize you are altering the original planned characteristic traits of your child to transform it into the “perfect baby”. I don’t believe any child is bound to be born perfect; hence, we should accept and acknowledge the features we were given.

References:

1. Johnson, Priya. "Pros and Cons of Designer Babies." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web.  Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-designer-babies.html>.

2. "What Is a Designer Baby?" Bionet - New Discoveries in Life Sciences - Explore the Science and Debate the Issues. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/db_cont1.htm>.

3. "Designer Babies: Creating the Perfect Child - CNN." Featured Articles from CNN. 30 Oct. 2008. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://articles.cnn.com/2008-10-30/tech/designer.babies_1_designer-babies-perfect-child-genetic-screening?_s=PM:TECH>.

4. "Pre-Genetic Implantation Diagnosis Pros and Cons: Designer Babies Debate Caused by Birth of First BRCA1 Screened Child." Suite101.com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.suite101.com/content/pregenetic-implantation-diagnosis-pros-and-cons-a158761>.

 Blogs commented on:

http://ankerlovesbio.blogspot.com/2010/11/design-baby_13.html?showComment=1298440413243#c9068857925843803490

http://saarraahpersaud.blogspot.com/2010/11/designer-babies-have-we-gone-too-far.html?showComment=1298441114599#c5038627412070658062

Human Impacts on Biodiversity in our Ecosystems

In our world today, we acknowledge human beings as one of the most dominant creatures. This is because of our ability to greatly impact the things around us and the world in which we currently live. Our world today undergoes a vast amount of changes, however majority of these changes are caused by human impacts. Humans have the capability to positively, and negatively impact our ecosystems.

Today we try to focus on the positive human efforts which have contributed to our developing world. There are currently numerous amounts of environmental organizations in our society and world. Their efforts work in trying to preserve human life and sustain biodiversity within our ecosystems. Biodiversity is essential – for the survival of humans and other species. A Look at two well-known environmental organizations are: The National Wildlife Federation, and The Nature Conservancy. 

 

One of the many organizations which work with environmental issues is the National Wildlife Federation. This organization works in protecting wildlife and habitat within ecosystems. "As the nation's largest conservation organization, NWF and its 4 million supporters are committed to sustaining the nature of America for the benefit of people and wildlife."  (1) NWF focuses on a few very important issues which they are committed to resolve and restore. This includes the protection of wildlife and habitats, restoring health to ecosystems, and inspiring citizens to care and protect the natural heritage. In addition, this organization works in defending endangered species, preventing invasive species, and protecting water resources. NWF puts forth a great effort towards the ecosystems and environments. Through their goals and successful accomplishments, they continue to make a difference in our world today by sustaining the natural wildlife and biodiversity surrounding us. By doing so, we are able to look forward to a brighter future, and healthier more preserved environment.

 

"The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people." (4) This worldwide acknowledged organization works in preserving nature and life. The Nature Conservancy was instituted in 1951, and since then has been committed to saving lands and waters. This organization has accepted success through its many achievements. "We've protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide — and we operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally." (4) They state that it is "who they are" and "how they work" in what makes them successful. All of The Nature Conservancy's efforts are attained through science-based approaches, along with the help of their wide scientist staff. Also, with the partnership of numerous businesses, communities, and governments, the non-profit organization is able to sustain the biodiversity and ecosystems within their reach. However, their goals are not limited; The Nature Conservancy puts forth a full effort in working with the environment and making it the best place possible for humans and other living creatures. Their impacts are acknowledged, and will continue to be supported by many members. 

References: 

1. National Wildlife Federation. "Our Work Protecting Wildlife and Habitat - National Wildlife Federation." Home - National Wildlife Federation. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/What-We-Do.aspx>.


2. "National Wildlife Federation." SourceWatch. Source Watch. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=National_Wildlife_Federation>.


3. Jason D. Van Elst. "National Wildlife Federation (Informational Paper)." Learning to Give. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://learningtogive.org/papers/paper156.html>.


4. "About The Nature Conservancy - Protecting Nature, Preserving Life." The Nature Conservancy - Protecting Nature, Preserving Life. The Nature Conservancy. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.nature.org/aboutus/?src=t5>.


5. "The Nature Conservancy -- Company History." Find Funding with Banks, Investors, and Other Funding Sources | FundingUniverse. International Directory of Company Histories, Vol. 28. St. James Press, 1999. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. <http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/The-Nature-Conservancy-Company-History.html>.


Blog Comments: 


1. http://ankerlovesbio.blogspot.com/2010/09/human-intervention-of-biodiversity-in.html#comments 


2. http://vilmabioblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/force-of-nature-david-suzuki-movie.html#comments