What are Botanical Pesticides? July 11, 2016 Definition Botanical Pesticides or natural insecticides are organic and natural pesticides that are derived from plants and minerals, that have naturally occurring defensive properties. These types of pesticides have become more popular since they do not release toxins as they decompose. Also, they have proven to be more useful than conventional insecticides as insects become more resistant to synthetic pesticides. Want to Know More? Plants use self-created pesticides as a form of defense against diseases, herbivores, and insects….

What is the Biosphere? July 11, 2016 Coined by Eduard Suess in 1875, the biosphere is a component of Earth’s system that is made up of living organisms and the dead organic matter they produce. The Earth is made up of different spheres: – Atmosphere: the layer of air that is above land – Lithosphere: Solid surface layer (land). – Hydrosphere: All water, including what is found on the surface, ground and air. These spheres are home to a wide variety of organisms that rely…

What is Bioremediation? July 11, 2016 Bioremediation is cleaning up polluted areas through biological means. Bacteria, fungi, plants and other organisms break down contaminants or store them in their tissue for eventual disposal. It has become a more popular choice for the removal of traditional methods due to its less costly nature. The use of Bioremediation is most noticeable in the cases of oil spills. When a spill occurs, microbes that are native to the area are the first to react. During the Deepwater Horizon…

What is a Bioreactor Landfill? July 11, 2016 A Bioreactor Landfill is a landfill that is used for the production of biogas at a faster rate. In this system, the refuse in the landfill has leachate, water that has been in contact with waste, to speed up the decomposition process into years rather than decades. These types are often confused with anaerobic digesters because of how both serve to produce biogas. The significant difference between these two is that unlike anaerobic digesters, a bioreactor landfill…

What are Bioplastics? July 19, 2016 Bioplastics are plastics that are made from renewable sources such as wood cellulose, wheat fiber, and corn. These plastics are compostable, breaking down as much as 60 percent or more in 180 days. Though it is compostable, bioplastics require water, heat, and air to break down, making it difficult to dispose of in landfills. Early plastics were made with the intention of replacing existing materials such as rubber, ivory, and tortoise shells. In 1869, John Wesley Hyatt treated cellulose…