From Algae World News

Columbus Junction could count itself among pioneering cities in the struggle to treat wastewater if the city council approves new technology that favors algae over bacteria. Columbus Junction is considering installing a system developed by Gross-Wen Technologies to treat its wastewater. The patent-pending revolving algal biofilm treatment technology, or RAB, grows micro algae on vertical belts that rotate in and out of the wastewater. During the rotation, nitrogen and phosphorus are transferred from the wastewater to the algae. The algae also takes out ammonia and other contaminants from the wastewater.

Iowa State University is a partner institution in a new, $104 million research center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Led by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the project will study the next generation of plant-based, sustainable, cost-effective biofuels and bioproducts. BCRF affiliate Emily Heaton, associate professor of agronomy, will be project researcher.

A team effort helps prepare the Plant Zoo for visitors

The demonstration plots for the 2017 BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) Plant Zoo have been planted. Miscanthus was transplanted into a 30-foot by 40-foot plot north of where the plants were located last year. The move was needed to make way for a driveway expansion and a tile repair. BCRF student employees and Emily Heaton's research group assisted with the transplanting.

Bio-Polymer Processing Facility celebrates first production run

Original article by John Burnett-Larkins, Chemical and Biological Engineering

The Bio-Polymer Processing Facility has celebrated a major milestone: It recently launched its first production run of biopolymers – plastics that are made from the conversion of fats and vegetable oils. Construction of the plant, which is located at the BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF), was spearheaded by BCRF affiliates Eric Cochran, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, and R. Christopher Williams, the Gerald and Audrey Olson Professor in civil, construction and environmental engineering.

Iowa State to manage biorefinery projects for new Manufacturing USA Institute

Iowa State University will lead the biorefinery program of the country's 10th Manufacturing USA Institute. The new institute will be known as RAPID, the Rapid Advancement in Process Intensification Deployment Institute, and will be dedicated to improving the productivity and efficiency of chemical manufacturing. The U.S. Department of Energy will support the institute with $70 million over five years, subject to federal appropriations. Another $70 million is expected from the institute's partners. Read more.

From Des Moines Register

Two Iowa State University scientists believe algae can help cut costs for hundreds of small Iowa towns that face up to $1 billion to upgrade their wastewater treatment to meet tougher clean water standards. Article features BCRF's Darren Jarboe, Martin Gross and Zhiyou Wen. 

Iowa State University technology that improves the efficiency of wastewater reclamation using algae has gotten the attention of small Iowa communities and the largest wastewater treatment system in the world.

Iowa State's Robert C. Brown is a guest editor of the current issue of the journal Energy Technology. The special issue features 20 scientific papers about Brown's specialty: using pyrolysis technologies to convert biomass into fuels, chemicals and fertilizers. The special issue is all about an "improved understanding of the fundamental chemical, physical, and catalytic processes underlying pyrolysis technology.”

From Iowa State Daily

BCRF affiliate Emily Heaton, associate professor of agronomy, discussed 'perennial power' and the economy at a recent Osborn Club meeting. 

Iowa State will lead the biorefinery program of the country's 10th -- and just recently announced -- Manufacturing USA Institute. The institute is dedicated to improving the productivity and efficiency of chemical manufacturing. The U.S. Department of Energy will support the institute with $70 million over five years, subject to federal appropriations. Another $70 million is expected from the institute's partners.

Thermochemical conversion research highlighted in Biofuels Journal

Iowa State University's thermochemical conversion research was featured in the fourth quarter edition of Biofuels Journal. The article discussed the three thermochemical technologies—solvent processing, pyrolysis and gasification—that are currently being researched at Iowa State. These technologies can produce biofuels, renewable chemicals and biochar. BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) affiliate Robert C. Brown, director of the Bioeconomy Institute and an Anson Marston Distinguished Professor of Engineering, told Biofuels Journal that the three thermochemical technologies are being pursued simultaneously at the BCRF. Read the article.

Researchers at Iowa State University are pursuing three thermochemical technologies that can produce biofuels, renewable chemicals, and a carbon-rich residue known as biochar.

German research organization explores working with university

Dr. Alexander Michaelis, Institute Director, Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (FICTS) visited the BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) to explore possible collaborations. The FICTS is part of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, a major international research organization made up of seven groups in information and communication technology, life sciences, microelectronics, light and surfaces, production, materials and components, and defense and security.

Iowa State engineers are working with Chevron U.S.A. to develop a pilot plant and study an advanced biorenewables technology called solvent liquefaction. The technology converts biomass such as quarter-inch wood chips into a bio-oil that can be processed into fuels or chemicals and a biochar that can enrich soils. The project is supported by a four-year, $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Biochar Added to Sorghum-Sudangrass Plot

Two types of biochar were applied to a sorghum-sudangrass plot in the BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) Plant Demonstration Plots. BCRF student employees first added poor soil to the plot and then set out a grid of one foot by one foot squares. Each type of biochar was applied by hand using the same application protocol. A control section was left untreated. Lastly, the sorghum was planted. The goal of this project is to test how well the sorghum will grow with the two types of biochar compared to the control. Bernardo del Campo, president of Advanced Renewable Technology International, Inc.

From Iowa Farm Bureau — At Iowa State University’s (ISU) BioCentury Research Farm, a line-up of biomass and alternative energy projects has processing Facility Manager Andy Suby excited about moving from bench-scale research into pilot plants and commercial scale processing, as well as and cellulosic work to support the POET plant in Emmetsburg and the DuPont plant in Nevada is just part of the story. From Iowa Farm Bureau

DuPont Donates Soil Removal Equipment to BCRF

The BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) recently received soil removal equipment donated by DuPont. The equipment, valued at approximately $219,000, will expand the BCRF's current biomass preparation and conditioning capabilities. It will be used to remove soil from the biomass that is collected at the BCRF.

BCRF Continues to Provide Research Support

The BCRF continues to provide support, including access to BCRF facilities, field plots and equipment, for a number of research projects. In 2015 BCRF affiliates were awarded over $15,000,000 in research projects, which were partially or entirely carried out at the farm.

Bio-Polymers Processing Facility Hires Plant Manager, Prepares for Start-up

Shannon Schroeder, assistant scientist in chemical and biological engineering (CBE), was hired in February as the new Bio-Polymers Processing Facility plant manager. She has spent the last two months learning the process and chemistry associated with the facility's projects.

From Forward, Iowa State University Foundation, Spring 2016, page 12 — ISU Foundation's Forward magazine featured an article about the Bio-Polymers Processing Facility located at the BioCentury Research Farm, and discussed the plant-based polymers research done by affiliates Chris Williams and Eric Cochran.

New Holland Continues Support of Biomass Crop Research at Iowa State University

New Holland Agriculture, represented by Scott Wangsgard, has generously provided several pieces of equipment on loan to the BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) for biomass crop research projects. The loan includes three tractors, a disc mower and a round baler. The equipment will be used to support research on several crops including corn stover, switchgrass and Miscanthus. This contribution will allow researchers and their students an opportunity to work with the newest technology available for harvesting biomass crops. Additionally, the equipment will allow Iowa State to look at biomass research not just at a small plot scale, but a much larger field scale as well.