Bacteria Power!

The energy crisis looms large over the ever growing human population of the world. Among the things required for survival of the species power is at the forefront if development is to proceed the way it has so far. It is obvious that scientists are exploring may options to develop power faster and more efficiently.

Therein lies the genesis of bacteria power. Certain strains of bacteria naturally generate electric current as a part of their metabolism. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, live in oxygen-free environments. This type of bacteria can breathe in metal minerals and electrodes. They don’t breathe air. They take in the metals through a current-conducting proteins in their cell membranes.

The researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, are working on is a way to transfer this ability to non-electrogenic bacteria. What makes it even more exciting is the fact that the ability to produce electric current is being clubbed with wastewater treatment. The idea is to add the bacteria into a tank of wastewater and slip in an electrode. Now the bacteria works on cleaning the water and simultaneously produces enough electric current to be used for another purpose.

This type of science project that could provide more than one solution to possible future problems is bound to be interesting to follow.