Department: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Organic wastes decompose anaerobically in US landfills and produce over 100 million metric tons of (CO2-equivalent) methane annually. Earthworms create stable pools of carbon while amending soils and may decrease the atmospheric greenhouse gasses that are emitted during decomposition. Professor Willenbring will work with partners to leverage the natural power of worms in decreasing the methane gas emissions and capturing carbon from decomposing organic material.