Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Poop 'r us


Gross, disgusting, nasty, what is that thing? These words come to mind when we see or think about poop. Bio-solids are a semi-solid material that contain a nutrient-rich substance that is left behind from the sewage treatment process. Many of our sustainable agricultural farmers today use this nutrient-rich substance in order fertilize their crops and not to mention complete a natural cycle in the environment. Using bio-solids promotes waste water plants to produce capable high quality bio-solids, a resource farmers should take opportunity of. Recycling bio-solids benefits farmers by reducing production costs, improves soil fertility, stimulate plant growth, and betters the soil structure . I could see why farmers benefit from production costs because according to (Ontario's ministry of agriculture and food) "as a fertilizer equivalent, the nitrogen and phosphorous in bio-solids has an approximate value of $250/hectare". Recycling bio-solids to land is also an environmentally friendly choice because it doesn't promote landfill disposal.

Although, bio-solids do contain pathogens, flame retardants, PCB's, these constituents are in low in
concentrations after the sewage treatment process. Nevertheless, "the use of these materials in the production of crops for human consumption
when practiced in accordance with existing federal guidelines and regulations, presents negligible risk to the consumer, crop production, and the environment" (National Academy of Science). In other words if farmers carefully monitor, apply, and follow the regulations, there will be no risk towards the consumer and environment. Of course there is a possibility that sludge won't get properly processed and could pose a health hazard, but this is all in the hands of the treatment facilities

It is true that when poop is the subject, people automatically turn away and neglect all of the wonders that poop could provide our environment. Bio-solids are sustaining our agriculture, helping our environment, and supporting our farmers through financial problems. Today we already bio-solid grown produce, and we're living proof that there are no health risks from using bio-solids as fertilizer. Hopefully we continue to recycle bio-solids into our land instead of promoting waste diversion.
Sources

Bio-solids: Fertilizer or pollution?, Lynchburg college, 8 June, 2011 <http://www.sencer.net/Outreach/pdfs/DCSymposium08/Posters/LUbiosolids.pdf>

Sewage bio-solids: A valuable nutrient source, Ontario ministry of agriculture, 8 June,2011 <http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nasm/sewbiobroch.htm>

FAQ - Bio-solids, Canadian water and waste water association, 8 June, 2011

Frequently asked Bio-solids questions, Waste management and processors, 8 June, 2011

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Canada's prosperity through technology


We live in a world where we revolve around technology, hypothetically speaking, but we have come to the point where technology is engraved in our culture, in our daily routines, and our lives. I'm not saying this is a bad thing because I would totally label myself as a hypocrite, but technology makes our lives easier to handle, makes things more compact, and just, makes life all the more fun. With technology rapidly evolving over the past century, we can't help it but to use technology to help us with one of the hardest struggles everyone must face, disease. The new health care technology out there make our physical lives easier through early disease detection, disease prevention, and also through medication/antibiotics. Personally, I've never been stricken with a deadly disease (knock on wood), but if it does come down to it I know I can depend on the health care technology that is available here, in Canada. These include the ultra sound, MRI, CAT scans, ultra sound and the Canadian renowned endoscopic ultrasound technology, each of these having a totally different purpose than the previous. As technology continues to evolve everyday, I hope to see new health care technology that can again, aid our lives through disease.

MRI, short form for magnetic resonance imaging has grown in popularity because of it's ability to be able to see inside the human body without cutting it open. MRI's are ordered by doctors to scan a patients brain and spinal cord, heart and blood vessels, internal organs and bones. Because of how detailed MRI's are it is often used to scan a patient for tumors, cancers, strokes, and
other brain related diseases.

CT scans or X-ray computer topography uses special x-ray equipment in order to take multiple internal pictures of the patient, which can be then examine through a computer. CT scans are ordered for patients to check internal organs in cases with trauma, broken extremities, blood clotting, and signs for abdominal diseases


The endoscopic ultrasound technology used by Mayo clinic in Richmond Hill, Ont is used to accurately examine a patients Gastrointestinal tracts. This can be extremely useful for finding illne
sses related to the gastrointestinal tracts with speed and precision without harming the patient. In Canada, York central hospital is the first hospital in Canada to use this intriguing piece of technology. Although, it do
es seem like the most uncomfortable thing to do to a patient, it gets the job done.

In conclusion, technology is one of the most important things that is going on in our societies and as it continues to advance, humans will continue to live longer and eventually win the fight against disease. Without health care technology it would be almost impossible for a doctor to determine what`s wrong with his/her patient internally without cutting him open. Not only is technology making life more livable, but technology is expanding our knowledge of diseases to such an advanced level that one day we can totally eliminate diseases from our planet. Just imagine that!

Sources

Visited: June 1, 2011
Author: Todd A. Gould

Visited: June 1, 2011
Author: Lawrence M Davis

Visited: June 1, 2011
Author: ASGE

Visited: June 1, 2011
Author: Medicine.net

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