The Wide Angle: Should Plasma Gas Trash?

December 15, 2008

This week on Discovery Tech, we got all inspired by a news story running on the Discovery News site about plans to burn trash with plasma. We had so many questions:  What in the heck is plasma? How does it burn trash? Is that a good thing? A bad thing? What else can it do? Questions, questions. We figured you'd have the same. So this week, we're doing something a little special, taking a Wide Angle look at it.  Here are all of the related stories. Enjoy.

News:Plans to Burn Trash With Plasma Facing Hurdles
What's not to like about plasma gasification?

Slideshow: Plasma, Plasma Everywhere
From plastic kitchen wrap to satellite propulsion, plasma seemingly has 1,001 uses.

Tech Top 10: Facts About Zapping Trash with Plasma
What's not to like about plasma gasification?

Guest Spot Invitation blog: Physicians Oppose Plasma Plant
Hold that thought: There's plenty to be concerned about when it comes to zapping trash with plasma.

Video: Ze-Gen Creates Zero Emissions
The renewable energy company Ze-gen is converting construction waste into near zero-emissions energy. Discovery News finds out how they're doing it.

Quiz: Think You Know Plasma?
Now that you've read all there is to know about plasma, take the quiz and see how much you retained.

Blog: Tech That Loves Trash
Now that you're an expert on plasma gassification, check out other innovative ways to deal with waste.

HowStuffWorks: How Plasma Converters Work

Image: Steven Hunt