''From Poop To Prize Onions'' / Research

A composting toilet is a dry toilet using aerobic processing system, typically with no water or small volumes of flush water. Composting toilets may be used as an alternative to flush toilets in situations where there is no suitable water supply. They are in use in many of the roadside facilities in Sweden, in National Parks both in the US and UK.



 Why do we use them:

• contain, immobilize or destroy organisms that cause human disease
• reduce the risk of human infection to acceptable levels without contaminating the immediate or distant environment and harming its inhabitants.

This should be accomplished in a manner that

1. is consistent with good sanitation (minimizing both human contact with unprocessed excrement and exposure to desease vectors, such as flies).
2. Produces an inoffensice and reasonaly dry end-product that can be handled with minimum risk.
3. Minimizes odor.

Main components:

1. Composting Reactor
2. Screened Exhaust System
3. Means of Ventilation to provide oxygen
4. Means of Draining and Managing excess liquid
5. Mixers to optimize and manage the process
6. Access door for removal of the end-product

Operating Process

• A. Second floor
• B. First floor
• C. Ground floor
• 1. Humus compartment
• 2. Ventilation pipe
• 3. Water closet

An average American uses 74 gallons (280 litres) of water per day, one-third of which splashes down a flushing toilet. An older toilet may swallow up to 7 gallons (26.5 litres) per flush, though federal law now calls for 1.6 gallon (6.1 liter) low-flow models in new homes. A composting toilet may save more than 6,600 gallons (24,984 litres) of water per person a year.

FINAL PROCESS

1 - Bucket

2 - Cabinet

3 - Sawdust - to absorb Odors and Moisture

4 - Ventilation

When the bucket is filled up it is left for at least 1 year to compost. The more it stays the better the soil is.

 

Final Piece

 

Resource Websites:
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/compost/process.cfm
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/composting-toilet1.htm
http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/civil/articles/73747.aspx#
http://oikos.com/library/compostingtoilet/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u20wDmF197g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBZwOqLJvBA

Additional Research

A map that marks the location of a valuable secret or a hidden locale

The treasure map may serve several purposes as a plot device in works of fiction:

•  motivation
• plot exposition
• to illustrate how far the quest has progressed
• to provide challenges or obstacles

General Knowledge

A map is the visual representation of an area. It shows all the symbols that the map is made for such as objects, regions etc. For example, the most important purpose of the political map is to show territorial borders, features of geography such as mountains, soil type, roads, railroads etc.

But what makes a good map? When done well, a map is a vehicle for effective communication. It should include data on the subject matter to provide orientation (e.g. streets, cities, points of interest). It is important to choose data that is relevant and current to the map. For example choosing an out of date street layer for an area that has recently undergone change can be confusing.

The color choices, line widths, icons and labelling will affect the readability, and hence message, of the map. A map aimed at children might involve brighter colors and less complexity. A general audience map might involve the use of terminology. A map with potentially color blind audience should not contrast certain colors.

Map Analysis

The map clearly shows what the next stop is. Furthermore, with the use of different colors
the route can be easily followed. However, it lacks scale. It doesnt say the actual distance
between stops, how long would it take you to get there.

Types of maps

Political Map
- does not show any typographic features
- focuses solely on the state and national boundaries of a place
- have locations of large and small cities

Topographic Map
- shows physical landscape features
- uses contour lines to show changes in the landscape
- the colser the lines are the steeper the terrain is

Road Map
- most widely used map
- shows major and minor highways and roads
- major highways are generally red

Resource Map
- shows specific type of economic activity
- has specific symbols or colours depending on what is being shown