A bacteria found in the bottom of the ocean were found to be capable of neutralizing Carbon Dioxide. This is one of the most exciting discovery to date since Earth is facing a very large problem with the effects of climate change.
One major contributor of climate change is the industrial carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Due to the large amount of carbon dioxide emitted by factories and power plants, there was an increased of atmospheric greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that causes the heat to be trapped and bounced back to Earth. However, it is possible to make Carbon dioxide, non hazardous through a durable heat resistant enzyme. A process called sequestration can actually capture and neutralize Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere.
In sequestration, the carbonic anhydrase reacts with the CO2 in the atmosphere, as the gas interacts with the Thiomicrospira crunogena it turns it into a bicarbonate. Apparently one of the problems presented is the way of constant harvesting of the bacteria underwater. Fortunately, scientists found a way to genetically engineer the enzyme with the use of E.coli for mass production on the surface.
A group from the University of Florida found Thiomicrospira crunogena that can produce enzyme to neutralize Carbon dioxide and transform it in an environment-friendly compound. The Bacterium produces carbonic anhydrase, a kind of an enzyme that helps the removal of carbon dioxide in any organism. According to Robert McKenna, it has already evolved into something that can deal with harsh environments and almost ready to deal with the industrial problems.
The enzymes theoretically can be turned into solvent and can be used as a filtering mechanism for industrial exhaust pipe. However, Scientist stated that a large number of enzymes are needed to create this type of technology. But since Mckenna Group found a way to mass produce the enzyme in a lab, the development of such technology is on its way. The group admitted that the conversion rate of Carbon Dioxide is not that efficient but also stated that further studies may result in positive outcomes in the near future.
