Research Groups |Biotechnology and Anaerobic Fermentation
The group is examining ecological and economical systems to control pollution of different wastes’ origin. The main emphasis is on the approach of “Zero pollution” - utilizing all the materials of the process.
Seeking for partners for the FP6 program. Research team :
- Prof. Uri Marchaim | Head of group | cv |
- Mr. Jacob Hanun | Technician
Research topics :
Biogas technology as an environmental solution to pollution
The use of Biogas technology – anaerobic methanogenic thermophilic digestion, on different types of wastes (cow and poultry manure, cotton stalks, and the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes) can reduce adverse causative mechanisms, and enable society to develop within its limitations. The process produces alternative energy and valuable materials to be used as fertilizers, soil conditioners, animal and fish feed and more. Work is done usually on dairy cow manure but also on different other wastes, mainly in high solid concentration (10-15%), as well as on liquids from the agro-industries.Partners:
- Two groups in USA, who are examining a possibility to build a plant in a cow-barn and a cogeneration system for the Biogas.
- Activity with high-school students in Galilee.
Read More Decontamination of rumen content from slaughterhouses by anaerobic methanogenic fermentation
Waste products of slaughterhouses such as intestinal content, blood, urine and manure of animals in preslaughter period were found to be highly contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms and also to increase considerably the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) of the sewage.
Anaerobic methanogenic thermophilic fermentation was found as an effective system against pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and coliform bacteria.Partners:
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit-Dagan, Israel.
- Examining possibilities with groups in different parts of the world, and in Europe for the FP6 program. Seeking for partners. Read More
Read More An ecological treatment for solid waste from the instant coffee industry.
We developed Biogas technology for the ecological and economic treatment of coffee wastes, and the evaluation of the digested material as a growth medium for horticulture. Our recent investigations showed that digested coffee grounds also had a promotional effect on plant growth. We found that methanogenic bacterial population produced large amounts of the plant growth regulator, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which induce root initiation in plants. Anaerobic, methanogenic, thermophilic digestion of solid coffee wastes was performed in laboratory scale digesters and also in a small pilot plant system.Partners:
- Elit, Israel. Examining possibilities in Equador, Belgium and more.
Read More Treating elephants’ dung by anaerobic thermophilic digestion
The project proposes to build Biogas digestion systems in the Safari Zoo in Israel and in the “Thai Elephant Conservation Center” in Lampang, Thailand that treat the elephant dung and educate students on environmental issues. Initial work on elephants’ dung was done in lab scale digesters. Partners:
- The Safari Zoo, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
- The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang, Thailand.
Read More Cultivation Macroalgae (seaweeds) under spray-irrigation technology
The aim of the project is to develop a farm for the cultivation of Macroalgae, under a spray-culture technology, in a controlled environment, in which seaweeds are grown on sand (or nets), using underground salty water. Suitable Macroalgae that can be adapted to higher temperatures and light radiation had been selected. The integrated approach, including the growing of Macroalgae, the extraction of phycochemicals and the anaerobic fermentation of the wastes, fits into an agrarian based local economy and gives the community the stimulus and strength of an industry. Partners:
- GOC Institute, Port-au Prince, Haiti.
Read More Projects with high-school students using Biogas technology
Students from high schools in the Galilee are supervised in doing matriculation projects and “distance learning” project using anaerobic digestion to teach ecological issues and develop their scientific thinking. Partners:
- Hispin school, HAZAV, Israel.
Read More Biotechnology and Agriculture Education
The objectives of the project are to develop a cadre of sophisticated farmers and students for developing countries who can serve as pioneers in developing biotechnology and agriculture in their countries. The courses are to acquaint the participants with the present achievements in sustainable and sophisticated agriculture, understand ecology with its holistic approach, and share with them the acquired experience, in a unique integrated approach with “hands-on” activities. Partners:
- DOVE – Department of Vocational Education, Thailand.
Read More Develop collaborative projects in Applied Biotechnology in other countries
The project aim to develop industrial and academic activities in peripheral regions in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Galilee, Israel, in the field of Biotechnology in order to contribute and develop its communities. Partners:
- Maejo University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Read More Teaching Activities :
Teaching activities
Prof. Marchaim is teaching at the Tel-Hai Academic College the following courses:
- Fermentation Processes and Bio-reactors.
- Waste Treatments.
Lecture at Tel-Hai College ( in Hebrew ) BooksBIOGAS PROCESSES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin No. 95, 1992
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By: Dr. Uri Marchaim
On line form : Order This Book
BIOGAS TECHNOLOGY AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTION TO POLLUTION
4th FAO/SREN WORKSHOP 1994 SUSTAINABLE RURAL and ENERGY NETWORK (SREN)
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By: Dr. Uri Marchaim
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