"Living Machine" Eats Wastes
Series: December 2006 - Isla Earth Radio Series
From: Pat Maxwell
Length: 00:01:30
Also in the December 2006 - Isla Earth Radio Series series
Are Your Favorite Medicinal Herbs Endangered?
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
A lot of medicines are derived from plants. And today, the growing popularity of traditional medicine has many of us using herbs to prevent and treat ailments. Unfortunately, ...
ROVs Provide New Information about Marine Life
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
A technology that's used for offshore drilling is benefiting marine biologists worldwide.
The Valuable Services That Insects Provide
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Everybody knows that bees make honey and pollinate flowers. In economic terms, these are "services" that the insects provide. The insects that quietly go about their ...
Eco-friendly Coffee Cultivation
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Open-field coffee cultivation emerged some 30 years ago. While the method may be productive in the short run, it often degrades the environment, and requires extensive use of ...
Fish Farming for a Hungry World
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Aquaculture is becoming big business in a hungry world. The challenge is to develop methods and technologies that produce sustainable yields while minimizing impacts on ...
Penguin Commandos
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
A team of expert veterinarians is always on alert to help save animals from the devastating consequences of marine oil spills.
Shortening the Paper Trail
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Though many companies already recycle their office paper, the truly paperless office is still a rarity. With some dedication, though, there are plenty of ways to further ...
Better Weather Forecasting Can Curb Epidemics
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Could more accurate weather forecasts help prevent epidemics? Yes, according to recent research.
Rain, Rain, Don't Flow Away
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
"Rain gardens" are one way you can help limit stormwater drainage. They collect storm water and allow it to soak into the soil.
Is Your Home "Green"?
(00:01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
"Green" buildings incorporate the latest technology to squeeze the most out of the energy that's used for heating, cooling, and lighting. They're also equipped to conserve water.
Related Pieces
Piece Description
There's an alternative way to treat wastewater: filtering it with live plants and even snails! A "Living Machine" uses natural processes to break down wastes. Wastewater is channeled into tanks that contain "mini-ecosystems" of live plants, algae, koi, freshwater shrimp, snails, and bacteria. These organisms purify the water by eating the wastes. A Living Machine can purify contaminated water in about four days - all without chemicals. It costs less than conventional water treatment, and it's easier on the environment. And while it can't replace large municipal water treatment systems, a Living Machine can process nearly one million gallons of contaminated water per day. Living Machines were developed and patented by the Living Designs Group of Taos, New Mexico. The promising technology both conserves water and reduces the burden on public water treatment systems. For example, Florida's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary uses a Living Machine to treat wastewater from toilets, reducing discharge to a nearby leachfield by as much as 90 percent.
Of 2 purchasers of this piece...
- 2 also bought:Sam Cooke: Bring it on Home to Me (00:59:05)
- 2 also bought:
The Byrds (part 1): There is a Season (00:59:02) - 2 also bought:
The Byrds (part 2): Farther Along (00:59:02) - 2 also bought:Congress Unites for Wetlands (00:01:34)
- 2 also bought:A Miracle in New Jersey (00:01:34)
