Technology Description:

Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a way to convert poultry manure into activated carbons that soak up unwanted pollutants, and help keep the environment clean. The invention is a way to manufacture granular activated carbons (GACs) from poultry litter. When animal waste is added to the soil, a buildup of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium can occur. This can lead to pollution runoff into rivers and streams, as well as nitrogen leaching into the soil. Toxic metals contaminating various water sources is a significant problem in many parts of the United States. The two materials most commonly used by U.S. manufacturers to make activated carbons are bituminous coal and coconut shells. Coal is an expensive and nonrenewable resource costing between $60 and $80 per ton, while coconut shells are not readily available in the U.S. Poultry litter is inexpensive and available. During the process of turning litter into activated carbons, it becomes a highly porous material with large surface areas. Large surface areas allow the carbon to adsorb ("soak-up") large quantities of toxic species in contaminated waters. The carbons performed very well in adsorbing copper, which indicates they may do well as a wastewater filter for other metal ions. This type of material is used in industries for purification and chemical recovery operations, as well as environmental clean-up. This technology would benefit farmers by allowing them to use their poultry manure for a value-added product.

Industrial wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities, and businesses that generate industrial metal waste could benefit from this invention. Companies involved with sugar decolorization, air purification, treatment of contaminated ground and surface water and land-fill leachate would also benefit.

Reference:

Please refer to patent application S.N. 10/784,049 (Docket #0086.03), "Activated Carbons from Animal Manure," which was filed on February 20, 2004. This invention is related to patent application S.N. 10/819,615 (Docket #0089.04), "Pyrolytic Products from Poultry Manure," which was filed on April 7, 2004.  Foreign rights are not available.

Inventors:

Isabel M. Lima  USDA, ARS, MSA, SRRC Food Processing & Sensory Quality Research New Orleans, LA 70124-4305 (504) 286-4515 / Fax: (504) 286-4419 imlima@srrc.ars.usda.gov

Wayne E. Marshall USDA, ARS, MSA, SRRC Commodity Utilization Research New Orleans, LA 70124-4305 (504) 286-4356 / Fax: (504) 286-4367Marshall@srrc.ars.usda.gov