University Advances Nutrient Recovery and Water Safety Through New Tech
Michigan State University (MSU) is at the forefront of a growing movement to turn farm waste into clean, renewable energy using anaerobic digestion (AD) systems.
These systems help protect the Great Lakes while supporting farming, energy, and environmental goals across the United States.
Anaerobic digestion uses natural bacteria to break down waste such as manure and food scraps. This produces biogas, used as electricity or transportation fuel, and digestate, which is rich in nutrients and used as fertilizer.
MSU has been a leader in this field since 2008, with the Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center (ADREC) guiding science, education, and collaboration.
The South Campus facility handles 15,000 gallons of waste daily and produces enough energy to power local buildings while recycling the byproducts into safe fertilizers.
Land application of digestate is done with care—soil tests guide nutrient use to avoid runoff, and regular groundwater checks show no contamination. Over 15 years, safety has remained a key success factor.
“By stabilizing and concentrating nutrients in forms that match crop needs, and reclaiming water for agricultural or industrial reuse, anaerobic digestion systems offer a closed-loop strategy to enhance soil health, reduce chemical fertilizer dependence, mitigate the spread of emerging contaminants and protect Michigan’s freshwater resources,” Liao said.
The university is also studying the impact of harmful substances like PFAS and heavy metals in waste. MSU’s research shows these risks can be controlled through smart management.
Anaerobic digestion in Michigan has big economic potential. It could bring $1.27 billion in investment and create thousands of jobs. MSU is also building a new $30 million Dairy Research Center to expand clean energy research.
Michigan alone produces millions of tons of farm and food waste each year. MSU’s work shows how this waste can be turned into power and fertilizer, helping protect water, reduce pollution, and support farmers.
This technology offers a promising path to a cleaner, more sustainable future, and MSU is leading the way nationally.