Four combinations of litter and carcasses from broiler chickens were examined utilizing a thermophilic, stirred-tank digester of demonstration size of approximately 10,000 gal. Under computed optimal loading rates, litter with paper bedding had the highest daily production of methane over an 8-day retention period. The greatest methane production per lb of volatile solids was achieved over 10 days with litter and paper bedding combined with carcasses. This research found that sufficient poultry litter is generated within 20 mi (32 km) of Moorefield, WV, to support a commercial-sized digester operation. However, anaerobic digestion of poultry waste cannot be financially supported by methane production alone. To be financially viable, anaerobic digestion requires a disposal fee for poultry waste and/or the sale of the digested solid effluent as an organic fertilizer to retail markets.
The ability of heap leach pads to support plant establishment is not documented in the scientific literature on mine reclamation. Two greenhouse studies were initiated to examine plant growth potential in this material. In the first study, Zea mays was used to compare growth in heap leach material before chemical treatment and in water rinsed post-treatment (after sodium cyanide, sodium hydroxide, cement, lime, and floculant addition) material. Soil mix amendment was essential for growth in post-treatment material and liquid fertilizers improved growth. The second study focused on the potential growth an survival of Acacia greggii (a species native to the mine site) in amended and unamended post-leach material with several liquid fertilizers. This species grew and survived in unamended material, but below-ground growth improved with the addition of non-ore bearing spoils (overburden) as an amendment.
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