Michigan State University, known affectionately as "Moo-U," in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler and NextEnergy, has small plots of soybean, corn, canola and switchgrass plants growing in a former industrial dump site in Oakland County, MI. The study is being led by Kurt Thelen, associate professor of crop and soil sciences. The intent is to see if the plants can serve two purposes simultaneously: assist with phytoremediation, and contribute to the economical production of biodiesel and/or ethanol fuel.
Brownfields May Turn Green With Help From MSU Research
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The words “industrial brownfields” conjure many images -- deserted, decaying buildings, broken concrete and wire fences. Those visions don’t include tidy rows of soybeans, corn or switchgrass -- except in Oakland County’s Rose Township.
On a 2-acre parcel that is part of a former industrial dump site, small soybean, corn, canola and switchgrass plants are soaking up the sun just like their rural cousins.
But unlike the rolling fields of crops across Michigan, this small plot is part of a new partnership between the DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Michigan State University (MSU) and NextEnergy, a nonprofit organization that supports energy technology development. The results of the work conducted here might sprout similar sites across the state and nation in areas that aren’t desirable for commercial or residential uses, contribute crops for biofuel production and help clean up contaminated soils...
...“Biofuel production is going to require a significant land base to meet future production expectations,” Thelen says. “Use of marginal lands or sites not preferable for food crops is a good idea. We’ll be looking at whether it is something that might offer multiple benefits.”
This is exactly the kind of research we need; it has the potential to improve economic and environmental conditions at the same time. Ethanol skeptics need to keep in mind that the use of biofuels is still in its infancy. By itself, it won't solve any of our major problems. But as one component in a comprehensive strategy, it holds considerable promise.
Comments
More attention needs to be paid to research in algae-based biofuel production, which is from closed systems and is 30-100 times more efficient at producing oil than soil-based approaches. It's also perhaps 100 times less water-intensive. If such plants could be installed on these small plots, the benefit would be greater.
I also think that mcyoremediation may be more effective than phytoremediation.
Posted by: Richard Gay | July 1, 2007 2:33 PM