In Heart Lake Geyser basin in Yellowstone National park, scientists discover microorganisms that could possibly put an end to the world's problem in pollution. This area has been the home to hot pools with temperatures ranging from 110 to nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Abdelrhman Mohamed of the Washington State University (WSU) have captured these microorganisms and have put them under study. "This is the first time to capture such species under these extreme hot spring environment," says Mohamed.
His interest in studying this bacteria went way more than what the academe required. He saw its potential in helping put an end to the world's problem in pollution. He believes that these microbes may be the key to providing the world with its endless supply of energy.
The bacteria collected in the area literally eats pollution by turning its toxic chemicals into substances that are less harmful to the environment while generating energy too.
"As the bacteria passes on the electrons in the body into solid surfaces like metals, they produce a stream of electricity that could generate power that can be used for low-power applications," says Haluk Beyenel, a distinguished professor in the Gene.
The collection of these microbes were not as easy as Mohamed and his colleagues had to deal with extremely hot water temperatures. They had to lead electrodes at the edge of the geysers hoping that the bacteria would come out of its hiding.
In order to do this, Mohamed had to invent a low-cost, highly heat-resistant potentiostat. It is an electronic device that controls a three-electrode cell. They left it there for 32 days. In the end of the experiment, the group of researchers found data that made it worth their while. They have collected the microbes in their most natural habitat under the optimum environment for survival.
"The natural conditions may be a bit difficult to replicate in the laboratory. The extreme temperatures in the spring had us develop another strategy to enrich such heat-loving microorganisms and allow them to grow in a seemingly natural environment like theirs," says Beyenal.
Could these microorganisms be the key to saving the world from dying because of pollution? Only time can tell. The team from WSU continues to search for answers and other possibilities with hopes that they have found what could be a real world-saver. Wouldn't it be nice to have a bacteria that gets rid of the trash while creating energy that people can use.
