This biology-based interdisciplinary project offers an opportunity each year to nearly 40 undergraduates, drawn from diverse subdisciplines of science and humanities, to engage in research in anaerobic bioconversion. This research is of value in educating the liberal arts students, many of whom will become decision makers at various levels in the private and public sectors, to a number of societal problems connected with the disposal of solid wastes. Through field research and laboratory experience, students investigate the physical and chemical composition of biomass (local municipal solid waste, agricultural and animal wastes) and the biological and physical parameters of the anaerobic process that converts the waste biomass into useful chemicals and fuel. Using modern laboratory equipment, science and nonscience students cooperate in generating data on anaerobic digestion. The grant is providing a gas chromatograph, fermentors, photo- micrographic equipment, and a system for computerized data collection and analysis. With these tools the students are studing such topics as the microbial colonization of the biomass surface, the amount and composition of gases/chemicals produced, reduction of total/volatile solids, and resource economics. This interdisciplinary approach to learning sensitizes science majors to societal concerns, as well as influencing non-scientists to develop a regard for science and an appreciation of its potential for helping solve many of the problems faced by the citizens of a modern technological society.
