A team of scientists led by Dr. Bruce Logan of Penn State University are seriously engaged in using a microbe that could provide a solution for most of our environmental woes. A single arrow that shoots down two major eco-problems, this new species of bacteria known as Methanobacterium palustre apparently has the potential to turn CO2 into CH4. That means that you could soon store the carbon emissions of the world in a giant container and transform them into Methane— which is then used to generate energy.

Demonstration of a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)

As incredulous as it sounds, the new process is based on the already known (and used) technique of water electrolysis, which converts water into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). In a similar fashion, the new method dubbed electromethanogensis will create methane out of carbon dioxide by using microbes.

While the process is still getting shape, many believe that bio-energy of this kind is just not economically and practically feasible. but we think that the magic of genetic engineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology could combine to change the perception for the next half of the century.

What will a large scale MFC system of the future look like?

What will a large scale MFC system of the future look like?

For now, microbe-powered CO2 fuel cell canisters are still some way away. [Green Car Congress via Ecogeek]

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