Burp Catching Backpack Traps and Contains Methane Released by Cows!
Posted By Mike Chino On July 25, 2008 @ 10:45 am In Air quality,global warming,Poo Power! | 16 Comments
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Ah, green design at its finest. Here at Inhabitat we pride ourselves in bringing you the freshest eco-friendly innovations, so how could we pass on the merits of this bright pink burp-trapping bovine backpack? It’s more than just a catchy concept – believe it or not there’s real SCIENCE at work here! The methane collecting tanks were utilized by Argentina’s National Institute for Agricultural Technology [5] as part of a a study to determine the atmospheric impact of methane released by cows. The findings were startling, as researcher Guillermo Berro estimated that “30% of Argentina’s total greenhouse gases could be generated by cattle.” Time to seriously consider that poo power plant [6]!
As off-key as it may sound, methane is a potent greenhouse gas and livestock emissions can contribute a significant share to atmospheric pollution. A single cow is capable of producing from 800-1000 liters (25-35 cubic feet) of emissions every day, which adds up quickly when you consider the 55 million cattle that comprise Argentina’s massive livestock industry.
Berro’s study harnessed ten cows with methane-collecting tanks that captured emissions released from their stomachs, allowing researchers to analyze and extrapolate the environmental impact of raising cattle [7]. The study has sparked interest in the issue and follow-up studies are investigating new diets that reduce methane emissions by making it easier for cows to digest food.
+ National Institute for Agricultural Technology [5]
Via reuters.com [8]
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URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/spiffy-backpack-traps-bovine-gas/
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[5] National Institute for Agricultural Technology: http://www.inta.gov.ar/ins/en/englishvers.htm
[6] poo power plant: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/03/13/poop-power-giant-vat-of-crap-to-produce-natural-gas-for-ca/
[7] environmental impact of raising cattle: http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/policy/agriculture_environment/commodities/beef/environmental_impacts/cattle_feedlots/index.cfm
[8] reuters.com: http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN0830630220080709?feedType=RSS&feedName=environmentNews
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