By Roderick McClain
08-05-10 – Bricks have been used by humans for thousands of years, and to this point they've been shaped from clay and fired until hard. But a presentation in Wilmington on Friday may offer a new alternative.
An architect has discovered a way to make bricks at room temperature from sand, bacteria, and urea. When the ingredients are combined, bacteria feed on the urea and the reaction binds sand particles with crystal.
Ginger Krieg Dosier is an assistant professor of Architecture at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
She says hog lagoons in the state of North Carolina have an unlikely abundance of one of the ingredients she needs.
"Urea is one of the main components of urine, both animal and human waste. And that is the exact chemical that can be utilized in the brick production."
Dosier says she thinks conditions are ripe for a new and sustainable industry for the state. North Carolina is home to 2,200 hog farms.
Ginger Krieg Dosier will speak from noon until 2 p.m. on Friday at 219 South Water Street in downtown Wilmington. The event is being hosted by Deborah Butler, one of 11 candidates running for New Hanover County Commissioner.