Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NF0417 | |
| Title | Bioenergy crops and bioremediation - a review | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Applications for heat and electricity) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 75%; Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Policy and regulation) 25%; |
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| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given ADAS UK Ltd |
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| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | DEFRA | |
| Start Date | 01 September 2000 | |
| End Date | 30 April 2001 | |
| Duration | 8 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £20,025 | |
| Industrial Sectors | No relevance to Underpinning Sectors | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | DEFRA Bioenergy | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , ADAS UK Ltd (100.000%) |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | 01 Provide an up to date review of opportunities for bioremediation with energy crops. 02 Provide a full evaluation of the likely magnitude of available land and waste application rates. 03 To identify the magnitude of nutrient and metals losses from leaching in soils and water where wastes have been applied. 04 To identify the magnitude of nutrient and metal bioremediation where energy crops are grown. 05 To evaluate the potential for use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to improve the bioremediation/waste utilisation capabilities of energy crops. 06 To evaluate the likely magnitude of atmospheric emissions of CH4, N2O and CO2 from wastes applied to energy crops. 07 To evaluate the impact of waste application, and/or siting on contaminated soils, on biodiversity associated with the crops. 08 To review and summarise the legal framework affecting the disposal of farm wastes and wastes from outside the farm, and consider how relevant UK and EU legislation h elps or hinders the use of energy crops for bioremediation. 09 To provide prioritised research requirements. 10 To present details of the review’s scope, objectives and work plan to IGEC RE on 20 September 2000. | |
| Abstract | Central to the government’s renewable energy targets is the stimulation of viable biomass crops. However, in many instances the low product value and moderate yields achievable render likely margins low. As a consequence, in order to achieve improved economic viability, many are looking for added value in the cropping system. Increasing interest is being given to the concept of disposal of agricultural and municipal wastes on energy crops. In other instances, the crops are proposed for growing on contaminated soils in order to facilitate bioremediation of heavy metals, and organic and inorganic toxins. Whilst both routes offer advantages, the true extent of these advantages and the magnitude of the land availability for such cropping are poorly understood. Equally, there are also a number of potential hazards from using these disposal routes and/or sites. Whilst there is information in the public domain about specific examples of waste disposal or bioremediation, there is noconsolidation of the subject in a way that would allow policy makers to make clear judgements on the needs and opportunities posed. For MAFF and Government to support such energy cropping initiatives, there must be clear information on the magnitude of the risks and opportunities that such disposal routes present. This will be achieved in a review which also identifies areas requiring further research. The proposed review will consider short rotation poplar and willow coppice and energygrasses.Recently published literature relating to waste disposal on these crops, and their growth potential on contaminated land, will be reviewed. The environmental fate of nutrients, metals and toxins arising from wastes will be considered, along with impacts on biodiversity. The role of genetic manipulation of energy crops to enable greater bioremediation will be fully discussed. The review will also consider the legal aspects of disposing waste materials - discussing how current or forthcoming UKand EU legislation helps or hinders the use of energy crops for bioremediation. In the light of the published literature, a list of prioritised research recommendations will be included in the final report - to be delivered in April 2001. An initial presentation describing the project and the agreed work plan will be given at a meeting of IGEC-RE in September 2000. | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 06/12/11 | |
