Breakthrough bioreactor technology harnesses methane-eating bacteria to capture landfill emissions, offering a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Landfills are a significant source of methane emissions, contributing to near-term global warming. However, researchers have made a breakthrough in capturing these emissions using gas-guzzling bacteria.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 100-year time frame.
Human activities, such as agriculture, natural gas production and transport, and landfills, account for approximately 60% of methane emissions.
The remaining 40% comes from natural sources like wetlands, oceans, and termites.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), reducing methane emissions can help limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The scientists behind the bioreactor project have bred a specially designed strain of Methanotrophs: ‘These bacteria feed on methane, converting it into carbon dioxide and water as waste products.’ This process has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
Methanotrophs are a group of bacteria that play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.
These microorganisms thrive in environments where methane is present, such as wetlands and soil.
They use methane as their primary source of energy, converting it into 'carbon dioxide and water' through a process called methanotrophy.
Methanotrophs are found in various ecosystems worldwide and are considered essential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
According to estimates, these microorganisms can consume up to 10% of global methane emissions.
The bioreactor system will be deployed at a landfill site in Washington later this year. The device is designed to capture methane emissions, which are then converted into carbon dioxide and water by the methanotrophs. This technology offers a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
The use of methanotrophs in bioreactors has several benefits. Firstly, it provides a portable and off-grid solution for capturing methane emissions. This is particularly useful for sites that are difficult to access or have limited infrastructure. Secondly, the technology can be deployed at scale, making it an attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
The field test of the bioreactor system will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of using methanotrophs in capturing methane emissions. If successful, this technology could play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
A bioreactor is a closed system used for cultivating microorganisms, plant cells, and animal cells.
It provides a controlled environment with optimal conditions such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels to promote cell growth.
Bioreactors are commonly used in industries like pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and food production.
They come in various types, including stirred-tank, airlift, and membrane bioreactors, each designed for specific applications.
The use of bioreactors has increased due to their efficiency and ability to produce high-quality products while minimizing waste.
- newscientist.com | Methane eating bacteria are ready to capture landfill emissions
