nned help in biogas project:is Cow manure microorganism?

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student101
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2010 5:32 pm
Occupation: Student
Project Question: I am doing the "Trash to Gas" project. Does it involve any microorganisms ? Do I need to fill any forms like the risk form or prior approval form? Please advice.
Project Due Date: Nov 29th 2010
Project Status: I am conducting my research

nned help in biogas project:is Cow manure microorganism?

Post by student101 »

Hi,

I am reaserching for trash to gas project. IS cowmanure considered microorganisms? do I need to fill forms before doing expt and get approval? Please advice
deleted-71827
Former Expert
Posts: 404
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:27 pm
Occupation: Research Assistant
Project Question: Neuroregeneration
Project Due Date: N/A
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: nned help in biogas project:is Cow manure microorganism?

Post by deleted-71827 »

Hi!
Here is a very convenient checklist for you to go through to see what types of forms/approval you might need for your project:

http://apps.societyforscience.org/isef/ ... /index.asp

Otherwise, while cow manure is not a microorganism by itself, it may CONTAIN microorganisms such as bacteria. It is very important to carry out all the safety precautions when working with samples because anything that contains microorganisms can be very dangerous. Best of luck with your project!
"There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere." -Isaac Asimov
donnahardy2
Former Expert
Posts: 2671
Joined: Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:45 pm

Re: nned help in biogas project:is Cow manure microorganism?

Post by donnahardy2 »

Hi,

Staryl13 has given you good information for getting approval for your project. Animal manure contains some potentially pathogenic organisms, so biosafety level 2 precautions are required when doing science fair projects with this type of sample:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosafety_level

I think this is the project you are thinking about doing and it is a great one:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p027.shtml

The greatest challenge in doing this experiment in the wintertime will be to keep the samples warm enough so the anaerobic bacteria can grow fast enough to produce gas. Also, you will need fresh samples of manure from ruminant animals. What are you going to use as a control for this project?

Donna Hardy
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