Net Primary Productivity

Net Primary Productivity

Net Primary Productivity

07/13/26

“How do we quantify the rate of new biomass by photosynthesizers after accounting for keeping themselves alive?”

Primary productivity measures the rate of new biomass growth by photosynthesizers. However, these organisms will need to use some of the energy they receive from the sun to keep themselves alive. Consequently, these organisms will only have the Net Primary Productivity, or biomass growth rate, accounting for the energy used to keep themselves alive. Photosynthesizing organisms use the former to grow themselves, and the latter to sustain themselves.

Trophic Levels

Trophic Levels

Trophic Levels

07/12/26

“How can we define an organism’s food chain position based on its energy level?”

Organisms at the bottom of food chains use primary production to gain biomass, while those higher up use secondary production. The higher up the food chain you go, the lower the energy potential there is. Ecologists have termed the food chain level an organism is at by their potential energy as their Trophic Levels.

Secondary Productivity

Secondary Productivity

Secondary Productivity

07/11/26

“How can we quantify the rate at which ecological consumers create new biomass?”

Biomass is the amount of mass that exists within living organisms. Some organisms, like animals, fungi, and many microorganisms, consume organic matter to create their own biomass. Because this organic matter was not created by sunlight but by consuming other biological organisms, the rate at which the new biomass is created is quantified as Secondary Productivity. Secondary productivity is expressed in units of mass per volume per unit of time and conceptualizes how biomass is transferred from one part of the food chain to the next.

Primary Productivity

Primary Productivity

Primary Productivity

07/10/26

“How can we quantify the rate at which organic matter is created by photosynthesis in a given area?”

Certain organisms, such as green plants and algae, create organic matter/biomass from solar energy using photosynthesis. The amount of biomass created by photosynthesizing organisms in a given area per unit time is quantified as Primary Productivity. Primary productivity is the foundation of most ecosystems. 

R-Tank Stormwater Modules

R-Tank Stormwater Modules

R-Tank Stormwater Modules

07/09/26

“How can we create large-scale underground stormwater storage with modular units?”

Stormwater storage can be a monumental problem when you don’t have enough space in your project. But what if we were to take modular storage units, put them underground, and then connect them to one another and to pipes feeding from above ground? This way, we can create a large storage system that’s expandable, dense, and flexible without taking up overland space. Well, this is the idea behind R-Tank Stormwater Modules. R-tanks are typically installed under impervious surfaces so they won’t take up infiltration potential. R-tanks can channel their contents to detention, retention, or water reuse systems.

Image credit: https://www.fergusonwaterworks.com/

Oligotrophic Lakes

Oligotrophic Lakes

Oligotrophic Lakes

07/08/26

“What’s special about deep, cold, clear lakes?”

Lakes form in all sorts of conditions. Some lakes have cold water that’s deep and provides only low biological productivity. Their waters are clear and dense with dissolved oxygen because low nutrient levels lead to fewer plants and algae that would otherwise cloud the site. The bottom layer of the lakes is typically much colder than the top in summertime, creating a different habitat. These Oligotrophic Lakes are a wonder to behold and are commonly found in high-altitude mountain environments.

A Meta-Affiliated Data Center Discharged a Deadly Bacterial Strain Into a Wyoming Town’s Wastewater

A Meta-Affiliated Data Center Discharged a Deadly Bacterial Strain Into a Wyoming Town’s Wastewater

A Meta-Affiliated Data Center Discharged a Deadly Bacterial Strain Into a Wyoming Town’s Wastewater

07/07/26

“How did a Meta-affiliated data center discharge a deadly bacterial strain into a Wyoming town’s wastewater?”

Data centers are very controversial for their heavy environmental strain. Recently, a Meta-affiliated data center was found to have discharged a deadly strain of bacteria into the wastewater pipes of Cheyenne, the capital of the U.S. State of Wyoming. This bacterial strain, known as Cupriavidus gilardii, is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that may have a mortality rate as high as 31.3 percent. As a consequence of this finding, local officials are withholding waste-dumping privileges from any data center connected to the municipal water services. This is how A Meta-Affiliated Data Center Discharged a Deadly Bacterial Strain Into a Wyoming Town’s Wastewater.

Image credit: Laramie Boomerang + Meta

Biological Productivity in Water Bodies

Biological Productivity in Water Bodies

Biological Productivity in Water Bodies

07/06/26

“How can we characterize the rate at which new biomass is created in water bodies?”

Water bodies can be the fabric of an ecosystem. Ecosystems are composed of living matter, also known as biomass. The rate at which new biomass is produced in water, or Biological Productivity in Water Bodies, is dependent upon the amount of sunlight that reaches the water, the nutrients in the ecosystem, the water temperature, the amount of mixing and clarity in the water, and the carbon availability. Biological productivity can drastically affect a water body system’s health, leading to eutrophication if not controlled.

Eco-Industrial Parks

Eco-Industrial Parks

Eco-Industrial Parks

07/05/26

“How can we make industrial parks more sustainable?”

Industrial parks are the foundation of much industrial activity. However, they can also create voluminous amounts of pollution. That’s where Eco-Industrial Parks come in. Eco-industrial parks establish circular economy practices through resource sharing and the reuse of manufacturing byproducts. Eco-industrial parks also strive to harness sustainable energy and reduce inefficiencies. Governments can adopt eco-industrial park strategies to build wealth and industrial capacity while avoiding excess environmental damage.