Biosolids--a fuel or a waste? An integrated appraisal of five co-combustion scenarios with policy analysis.

An integrated appraisal of five technology scenarios for the co-combustion of biosolids in the UK energy and waste management policy context is presented. Co-combustion scenarios with coal, municipal solid waste, wood, and for cement manufacture were subject to thermodynamic and materials flow modeling and evaluated by 19 stakeholder representatives. All scenarios provided a net energy gain (0.

Screening of willow species for resistance to heavy metals: comparison of performance in a hydroponics system and field trials.

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether metal resistance in willow (Salix) clones grown in a hydroponics screening test correlated with data from the same clones grown independently in a field trial. If so, results from a short-term, glasshouse-based system could be extrapolated to the field, allowing rapid identification of willows suitable for planting in metal-contaminated substrates without necessitating longterm field trials. Principal Components Analysis was used to show groups of clones and to assess the relative importance of the parameters measured in both the hydroponics system and the field; including plant response factors such as increase in stem height, as well as metal concentrations in plant tissues.

Development of a hydroponic screening technique to assess heavy metal resistance in willow (Salix).

A nutrient thin film hydroponic system has been developed which allows rapid screening of willow (Salix) clones for their resistance to heavy metals, and hence their use in phytoremediation. Two clones known to be different in their resistance to heavy metals (Salix burjatica (Germany) and S. triandra x viminalis (Q83)), could be distinguished on the basis of leaf biomass, root biomass and stem height after 6 weeks.