I've always been aware of a lot of the world's problems, but this last group has opened my eyes to another side of a problem that I already knew about. I've always known that many places in the world, especially third world countries, have had trouble to accessing clean water, but I had no idea how bad it affects their health. When they introduced us to the guinea worms, I was heartbroken and immediately horrified. I didn't even know that worms like that can grow in someone's body, and the way that they have to remove it makes it even worse. The process is so slow that thinking about it just makes me sick. That is why I'm so glad that their group came up with a solution to this.
I've never had an interest in science, so I didn't understand much when they talked about methanogens. When I watched the video that the college in Michigan made, I kind of understood how the process worked a little better, but I didn't really know how releasing all of that methane would help. When it's released, does it go into another tank, because I was unsure about that part, or is it released into the air? When it is released into the air, is it bad for the environment because methane has carbon in it? Excess carbon in the air is the main reason for global warming, so if methane is constantly released into the environment, won't it solve one problem but cause another?
Another thing that I thought about was the t-shirts. I think the t-shirts are a great way to offset the starting costs. Making many of those tanks and partnering with many big companies would be very expensive. Even getting investors for this kind of project would cost billions, so I think a small side business to support the costs would help in a big way.
Overall, I think that this project is a brilliant idea, and the only setback would be costs, and the possibility of enhancing global warming. This solution is so big that it could solve the problem of dirty water all over the world, we just need enough people to support this idea to make it happen. If the group takes this one step at a time and gets the right people involved with their project, they could be steps from being able to change the world instantly.
3 comments:
You are right to be concerned about the methane, methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gasses, and could heavily damage the environment if not treated properly.
As per how t-shirts could fund this idea, it really isn't likely. They said that 25% of profits would go towards filters, say it's $20 shirt, $5 won't go a long way for a filter that will cost thousands to manufacture.
Actually 75% off ALL funding would be going to substaining the filters, not 25%. The 25% is going to restocking the merchandise (shirts, etc.) and also spreading awareness to the issue (holding events, etc.) Here's the link to our website for further clarification https://shawnahouston13.wixsite.com/thehelp2oproject
Jasmine as far as to answer your question about where the methane gas is being stored, it would be stored in a separate container that is located on the top of the second tank that contains the methanogens. As far as environmental impact, BMW already uses methane gas as an energy source despite our project. As well as the fact that methane is going to be produced by methanogens whether our project exists or not, but with our project the methane produced by these methanogens would at least be being utilized.
It is true that methane is one of the worst greenhouse gases and it has had a very large effect on global warming, however, that is if it is being released. Our plan includes capturing the methane and using it as an energy source. As an energy source, methane is the cleanest burning fuel that we know of. It doesn't release sulfates or nitric oxides like coal or oil and releases the least amount of carbon dioxide per unit of energy produced.
Post a Comment