Digital Commons Network^™

A Multi-Omics Approach To Unravelling The Coupling Mechanism Of Nitrogen Metabolism And Phenanthrene Biodegradation In Soil Amended With Biochar, Baoshan Xing, Et. Al.

Stockbridge Faculty Publication Series

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil negatively affects the environment and the degradation of these contaminants is influenced by nitrogen metabolism. However, the mechanisms underlying the interrelationships between the functional genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and phenanthrene (PHE) biodegradation, as well as the effects of biochar on these mechanisms, require further study. Therefore, this study utilised metabolomic and metagenomic analysis to investigate primary nitrogen processes, associated functional soil enzymes and functional genes, and differential soil metabolites in PHE-contaminated soil with and without biochar amendment over a 45-day incubation period. Results showed that dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium …

Detrimental Impact Of The Geobacter Metallireducens Type Vi Secretion System On Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer, Jessica A. Smith, Dawn E. Holmes, Trevor L. Woodard, Yang Li, Xingying Liu, Li-Ying Wang, David Meier, Ingrid A. Schwarz, Derek R. Lovley

Microbiology Department Faculty Publication Series

Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is important in anaerobic communities of environmental and practical significance. Other than the need for close physical contact for electrical connections, the interactions of DIET partners are poorly understood. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) typically kill competitive microbes. Surprisingly, Geobacter metallireducens highly expressed T6SS genes when DIET-based co-cultures were initiated with Geobacter sulfurreducens. T6SS gene expression was lower when the electron shuttle anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate was added to alleviate the need for interspecies contact. Disruption of hcp, the G. metallireducens gene for the main T6SS needle-tube protein subunit, and the most highly upregulated gene in …

Beneficial Invasive: A Rhizomatic Approach To Utilizing Local Bamboo For Covid Responsive Educational Spaces, Megan Futscher

Masters Theses

The United States has an abundant stock of naturalized wild growing bamboo species that are generally considered invasive. This project explores the use of locally harvested, so called “invasive” bamboo as a potential building material incorporated into a modular, kit-of-parts style construction system. These structures are uniquely suited to address the need for expanded spaces and extensions that bridge between the strictly indoor vs. outdoor distinction of existing buildings, as revealed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The rhizomatic mechanism of spread that is characteristic of bamboo species is used as the framework to propose a tectonic system that is decentralized, adaptable, …

Large-Scale Electrochemical Degradation Of Poly-And Perfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) By Magnéli Ti4o7 Electrodes, Laura Siddon

Environmental & Water Resources Engineering Masters Projects

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that are extremely persistent in the environment. They classified as emerging contaminants and have been linked to impacts on the developmental, liver, immune, and thyroid systems, and are possible carcinogens. PFAS’ resistance to biodegradation and conventional oxidation processes make them one of the hardest chemicals to remove from water. With the discovery of PFAS in public water supplies, existing technologies are not capable of removing these recalcitrant contaminants to levels expected for the health of the public. Even in cases when conventional technologies can remove PFAS compounds, removal is …

The Role Of Vegetative Cover In Enhancing Resilience To Climate Change And Improving Public Health, Anastasia D. Ivanova

Masters Theses

Changing temperature and precipitation patterns are causing degraded soil, water, and air quality which is negatively affecting the safety and health of people, and the productivity of urban and rural communities. However, research shows that implementing urban forests and cover crops into urban and rural landscapes, respectively, can mitigate these effects by providing ecosystem services. As extreme precipitation and heat events continue to intensify, there is a need for comprehensively assessing these ecosystem services under changing climates and for this information to be easily accessible by communities for rapid land-use decision making. Therefore, I investigated the role of urban forests …

Mechanisms For Electron Uptake By Methanosarcina Acetivorans During Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer, Dawn E. Holmes, Jinjie Zhou, Toshiyuki Ueki, Trevor Woodard, Derek Lovley

Microbiology Department Faculty Publication Series

Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between bacteria and methanogenic archaea appears to be an important syntrophy in both natural and engineered methanogenic environments. However, the electrical connections on the outer surface of methanogens and the subsequent processing of electrons for carbon dioxide reduction to methane are poorly understood. Here, we report that the genetically tractable methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans can grow via DIET in coculture with Geobacter metallireducens serving as the electron-donating partner. Comparison of gene expression patterns in M. acetivorans grown in coculture versus pure-culture growth on acetate revealed that transcripts for the outer-surface multiheme c-type cytochrome MmcA were …

Mechanisms For Electron Uptake By Methanosarcina Acetivorans During Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer, Dawn E. Holmes, Jinjie Zhou, Toshiyuki Ueki, Derek R. Lovley

Microbiology Department Faculty Publication Series

Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between bacteria and methanogenic archaea appears to be an important syntrophy in both natural and engineered methanogenic environments. However, the electrical connections on the outer surface of methanogens and the subsequent processing of electrons for carbon dioxide reduction to methane are poorly understood. Here, we report that the genetically tractable methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans can grow via DIET in coculture with Geobacter metallireducens serving as the electron-donating partner. Comparison of gene expression patterns in M. acetivorans grown in coculture versus pure-culture growth on acetate revealed that transcripts for the outer-surface multiheme c-type cytochrome MmcA were higher …

Nano-Black Carbon (Biochar) Released From Pyrogenic Carbonaceous Matter As A Super Suspending Agent In Water/Soil Environments, Fei Lan, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing

Stockbridge Faculty Publication Series

Nano-black carbon (BC) is one of the most active fractions in the pyrogenic carbonaceous matter continuum. The majority of recent studies mainly focus on the role of nano-BC in the global carbon cycle. However, based on literature and our recent studies, we suggest that nano-BC may also serve as a super suspending agent, carrier, and redox mediator for sorbates during its migration from terrestrial to water bodies due to its unique properties such as high colloidal stability, strong sorption capacity, and high surface reactivity. The full implications of nano-BC in water/soil environments are far more than we expected. Thus, we …

Effects Of Phosphorus Ensembled Nanomaterials On Nutrient Uptake And Distribution In Glycine Max L. Under Simulated Precipitation, Qingqing Li, Chuanxin Ma, Jason C. White, Baoshan Xing

Stockbridge Faculty Publication Series

Nanoscale hydroxyapatite (nHA) was synthesized to investigate its potential as a phosphorus (P) ensembled nanofertilizer, using soybean (Glycine max L.) as a model plant. The conventional analogue phosphate (pi) was used for comparison with the synthesized nHA. Varied precipitation intensities (0%, 30%, 60%, and 100%) were simulated by adding selected volumes of the P fertilizers (nHA or pi) via foliar spray and soil amendment. The total amounts of added P were the same across all the treatments. The importance of a wash-off effect was investigated on foliar-treated seedlings by evaluating different watering heights (20, 120, and 240 cm above the …

Graphitic Carbon Nitride (C3n4) Reduces Cadmium And Arsenic Phytotoxicity And Accumulation In Rice (Oryza Sativa L.), Chuanxin Ma, Yi Hao, Jian Zhao, Nubia Zuverza-Mena, Ahmed G. Meselhy, Om Parkash Dhankher, Yukui Rui, Jason C. White, Baoshan Xing

Stockbridge Faculty Publication Series

The present study investigated the role of graphitic carbon nitride (C₃N₄) in alleviating cadmium (Cd)- and arsenic (As)-induced phytotoxicity to rice (Oryza sativa L.). A high-temperature pyrolysis was used to synthesize the C₃N₄, which was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Rice seedlings were exposed to C₃N₄ at 50 and 250 mg/L in half-strength Hoagland’s solution amended with or without 10 mg/L Cd or As for 14 days. Both Cd and As alone resulted in 26–38% and 49–56% decreases in rice root and …

Integrative Experience: Soil Microbes And The Sustainability Of Organic Agriculture, Kristen Deangelis, Luiz Domeignoz Horta

Microbiology Educational Materials

This curriculum describes a one-unit course designed to fulfill the University of Massachusetts requirement for Integrative Experience as part of the Gen Ed curriculum for undergraduates.

Winter Annual Rye Seeding Date Influence On Nitrogen Recovery And Ammonia Volatilization From Late Fall Surface-Applied Manure, Parisa Akbari, Stephen Herbert, Masoud Hashemi, Allen Barker, Omid Reza Zandvakili, Zohren Emami Bistgani

Stockbridge Faculty Publication Series

Dairy farmers in the northeast face challenges in the application of manure in fall and on-time planting of cool-season grasses to maximize recovery of residual N and nutrients released from fall applied manure. Ammonia emission from animal manure is a serious environmental concern and can be reduced if cover crop is integrated in the farming system. On-time planting of cover crops can reduce ammonia volatilization from fall, surface-applied manure, and prevents N loss to leaching. A two-year study was conducted in 2015 and 2016 to investigate if time of planting of winter annual rye (Secale cereale L.) along with late …

Tools For Monitoring And Study Of Peregrine Pheretimoid Earthworms (Megascolecidae), Timothy S. Mccay, George Brown, Mac A. Callaham Jr., Chih-Han Chang, Andrea Dávalos, Annise Dobson, Josef H. Görres, Bradley M. Herrick, Samuel W. James, Marie R. Johnston, Damhnait Mchugh, Tanya Minteer, Jean-David Moore, Maryam Nouri-Aiin, Marta Novo, Jaime Ortiz-Pachar, Rebecca A. Pinder, Justin B. Richardson, Bruce A. Snyder, Katalin Szlavecz

Geosciences Department Faculty Publication Series

Peregrine pheretimoid earthworms, commonly known as jumping worms, are members of the family Megascolecidae that have become widely established outside of their native ranges. In many parts of the world this represents a second wave of earthworm invasions, following the introduction of peregrine European earthworms in the family Lumbricidae during the colonial era. Forest ecologists, turf managers, gardeners, and other land managers are concerned about the observed or presumed negative effects of jumping worms on invaded habitats. Although research on jumping worms has accelerated in recent decades, our understanding of their ecology remains limited. We compiled techniques useful to researchers …

Geobacter Strains Expressing Poorly Conductive Pili Reveal Constraints On Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer Mechanisms, Toshiyuki Ueki, Kelly P. Nevin, Amelia-Elena Rotaru, Li-Ying Wang, Joy E. Ward, Trevor L. Woodard, Derek R. Lovley

Microbiology Department Faculty Publication Series

Cytochrome-to-cytochrome electron transfer and electron transfer along conduits of multiple extracellular magnetite grains are often proposed as strategies for direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) that do not require electrically conductive pili (e-pili). However, physical evidence for these proposed DIET mechanisms has been lacking. To investigate these possibilities further, we constructed Geobacter metallireducens strain Aro-5, in which the wild-type pilin gene was replaced with the aro-5 pilin gene that was previously shown to yield poorly conductive pili in Geobacter sulfurreducens strain Aro-5. G. metallireducens strain Aro-5 did not reduce Fe(III) oxide and produced only low current densities, phenotypes consistent with expression …

Specific Phosphate Sorption Mechanisms Of Unaltered And Altered Biochar, Kathryn D. Szerlag

Masters Theses

Biochar has been shown to act as an effective sorbent for many organic and inorganic contaminants (including phosphate) and can help to improve the quality of our fresh water resources by preventing eutrophication. Most of the high efficiency biochar phosphate-adsorbent feedstocks are modified with chemical pretreatment, phytoremediation or anaerobic digestion to accumulate desired elements. The main objectives of this project were to first engineer magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) altered biochar by chemical pretreatment followed by pyrolysis at either 350 or 550°C and evaluate their phosphate adsorption rate and potential as compared to their unaltered counterparts. Determination of surface physiochemical …

Forging Ahead: Towards An Arts Center In North Quabbin, Leonard Kendall, Stephen Meno

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report is a feasibility study to assess the potential adaptive reuse of mill buildings in the North Quabbin region as a site for an arts education center that would specialize in large-scale sculpture fabrication. This report relies on interviews with experts and conducting case studies on similar instances of creative economy revitalization.

Assessing Kiln-Produced Hardwood Biochar For Improving Soil Health In A Temperate Climate Agricultural Soil, Emily J. Cole

Doctoral Dissertations

Soil quality has become a major factor used in assessing sustainable land management and the overall environmental quality, food security, and economic viability of agricultural lands. Recently, biochar has been touted as having many potential uses as a soil amendment for improving soil quality, specifically improving cation exchange capacity, pH and nutrient availability. However, soil biology also plays a significant role in biogeochemical processes that influence soil health and should be included in a more comprehensive study of soil health. This dissertation describes 4 projects within the same 3-year field study with the cumulative purpose of better understanding the effect …

Wrap Up & Where To From Here, Kathleen Draper, Hugh Mclaughlin, Erich J. Knight Mr., Amanda Ravenhill

USBI Biochar Conferences

Symposium Track Chairs will provide high level summaries of the information covered in each of the tracks: Feedstock & Production; Benefits & Uses; Policy & Community and Sales, Scale & Marketing.

To conclude the symposium and leverage all of the great new ideas and information in everyone's minds, we will capture key take aways as a community and then invite suggestions and discussion about next steps in the biochar movement.

Synergistic Communities For Biochar, Albert Bates, Jonathan Bates, Peter Hirst

USBI Biochar Conferences

Biochar & Permaculture: Albert Bates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afaKoWXsRiU

Biochar & Aquaponics: Jonathan Bates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c21drA2KS4

Jonathan will present his experience using biochar as a powerful growing medium in aquaponic systems. Aquaponics being the culturing of fish and plants together ecologically in closed systems (the merging of aquaculture and hydroponics). Biochar grow media benefits aquaponic systems in multiple ways, including its light weight, local sourcing, bio-chemical qualities, ecological nature, and affordable price. Through pictures and discussion he will show how his experiment has faired, and offer ideas for economic opportunities of aquaponic biochar in the Northeast.

Biochar & the Klamath Hydro Settlement: Peter Hirst …

Manure Management & Biochar, Matthew W. Smith, John Miedema, Mike Mcgolden

USBI Biochar Conferences

Co-location synergies: Biomethane & Biochar Production: John Medeima, BioLogical Carbon

Biochar Filters Impact on Anaerobic Digestion: Matthew Smith, WSU

http://youtu.be/RILS6wS3qWk

The Benefits of a Manure-based Biochar: Mike McGolden

http://youtu.be/t1hVgolalRI

Biochar has been in existence for thousands of years. However, it has only been in the past decade that there has been a resurgence in the thirst for knowledge about biochar and research into how it is made and its impact on the environment.

This resurgence has brought about a tremendous amount of research and a rapid growth in education among the general population about biochar – especially in the past …

Wednesday Morning Plenary, Doris Hamill, Tom Miles

USBI Biochar Conferences

Tom Miles will kick off the "Where to From Here" conversation that is critical to understanding next steps for the biochar industry in North America.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCIu8QEQUkk

Doris Hamill will describe the K-12 biochar educational package she and her team launched at NASA, where it has taken off and where it may land. She will also share details about her project for using biochar in the redevelopment project on the Hampton Roads campus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx_7w1-bJ8A

Biochar Community Development, Ronal G. Larson, Jim Long, Scott Graves

USBI Biochar Conferences

Growing a Biochar Learning Network in a Rural Community: Jim Long

The presentation will review what we are learning about the effectiveness of our several-year, voluntary journey to introduce biochar to residents using a variety of techniques including:

• Orientations with members of our Umpqua Bio-Alternatives Cooperative and its Biochar Study Group;
• Articles published in newsletters and on web pages produced by related groups;
• Exhibits at farmers' markets, county weed days, and Earth Day;
• Live demonstrations with farmers, community gardeners, Grange members, school students, and Job Corps youth;
• Exhibits, demonstrations, and discussions during our annual fall Biochar Exposition with members of …

Why Is Charcoal So Effective For Plant Growth?, Makoto Ogawa

USBI Biochar Conferences

No abstract provided.

Pre-Soil Techniques, Nigel Gale, Dale Hendricks, Doug Clayton

USBI Biochar Conferences

Rescuing biochar: Pre - application techniques to enhance plant responses to biochar additions: Nigel Gale, U of Toronto

A growing body of literature indicates variable responses of different plant species to biochar, including positive, neutral, and negative, suggesting that it is important to investigate the nature and mechanism of species-specific responses to biochar additions. Neutral or negative plant responses to additions of biochars have commonly been reported in prior studies, and are likely the result of a combination of changes in soil properties (e.g. pH, surface area, and nutrient and water retention) and the production of volatile organic compounds from …

Labeling Biochar Products, Kelpie Wilson, David Yarrow, Renel Anderson

USBI Biochar Conferences

Making Claims for Biochar: Kelpie Wilson

Cool Foods: David Yarrow, KAW Valley Biochar

OMRI Certification: Renel Anderson, Black Owl Biochar

Novel Uses Of Biochar, Hans-Peter Schmidt

USBI Biochar Conferences

Cascading Uses of Biochar - Hans-Peter Schmidt, Ithaka Institute

In addition to the use of biochar as a soil amendment, there are an increasing number of ways to incorporate biochar into different eco- and industrial systems. Thus feeding biochar to livestock has numerous benefits not only for the animals, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improves nutrient retention in animal manure. The use of biochar in building materials is just beginning to be studied but shows promise in the ability to insulate, decontaminate air, provide odor and humidity control. Biochar as pillow filling to induce perfectly reposing …

Ethics & Sustainability, Gloria Flora, John Bonitz, Karen Ribeiro

USBI Biochar Conferences

Biochar and the Sustainability Imperative. Now marks a critical time: as biochar comes of age and markets begin to develop, this young industry is attracting naysayers, doubters and get-rich-quick-schemers. Ethical biochar production and use is of paramount importance as we continue to lay the groundwork for biochar as a model for carbon neutral/negative business, landscape restoration and truly green technology. Shortcuts, poor quality product and unsustainable use of biomass could bring biochar to its knees before it gains the traction necessary to fulfill its promises. This discussion will explore opportunities and pitfalls in feedstocks sustainability, production integrity and ethics in …

Remediation/Pollution Control, Makoto Ogawa, Seok-Young Oh, Josh Kearns

USBI Biochar Conferences

Sorptive Treatment of Metals and Nitro Explosives in Water Using Biochar -

Seok-Young Oh^1*,

Biochar, a solid byproduct of a pyrolysis process was investigated as a sorbent to remove toxic metals and nitro explosives from natural water and wastewater. It was hypothesized that biochar can sorb dissolved metals and nitro explosives due to its high surface area and strong sorption affinity of aromatic organic compounds. Using a tube furnace under N₂, various types biochar were synthesized by changing biomass (poultry litter, sludge, fallen leaves, corn stalk, rice straw, and coffee grounds) and temperature (250, 400, …

Monday Morning Plenary, Thayer Tomlinson, Gloria Flora, Kelpie Wilson

USBI Biochar Conferences

State of the Biochar Industry: Thayer Tomlinson, IBI Communications Director

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSByIiudOZI

This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of the biochar industry, including current International Biochar Initiative (IBI) programs and how IBI sees the growth of the biochar field internationally—touching on specific trends in commercialization, project implementation, research, educational facilities, regional groups, etc. The presentation will focus specifically on IBI’s recent industry and project tracking and outreach around the world to highlight where most of the current biochar companies are operating, their products, and other specifics as well as specifics on current operating biochar projects (run mainly …

Farmer Workshop, Rachel Hestrin, David Yarrow, Christian Pulver, Thea Whitman

USBI Biochar Conferences

Sunday afternoon October 13, 2013 from 1:00 to 4pm, at the New England Small Farm Institute in Belchertown MA (275 Jackson Street)

Join fellow farmers and gardeners in an interactive, educational, and highly stimulating presentation/workshop about what biochar is (and is not) along with details about how and why biochar can help you achieve your growing goals. Learn about the many benefits of soil conditioning with biochar, application techniques and amounts, carbon stability, and other practical advice. Rachel Hestrin from Cornell University will deliver a hands on technical presentation and field expert David Yarrow will review his extensive SARE grant …