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Stratospheric bacteria offer new source of clean power

Space bacteria

Researchers at the Newcastle University have successfully identified a stratospheric bacteria as a new source of power of the future. Named as Bacillus Stratosphericus (BS), this is the most important component of a new bio-film developed by them for electricity generation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). The super bug is usually found 20 miles above the earth. However, it was first found on earth in the Wear Estuary in Sunderland, UK. It is believed to have been brought to earth surface by the process of atmospheric cycling during which evaporated water first rise to the stratosphere and then fall back again on earth.

The MFC is not a new method of electricity generation. In fact, the idea of such a fuel cell was first performed in the year 1911 by M.C Potter. This cell converts organic compounds into electricity through bio-catalytic oxidation by using bacterias. However, not much improvement in terms of the amount of electricity generated with the help of bacterias has been achieved. At present this technique is mostly applied for waste water treatment and sewage plants. But the new finding could change all of this.

During the study, researchers found that BS bacteria can produce double electricity as compared to the other bugs. The researchers say that this bacteria could be harvested artificially and prove extremely beneficial for the people of developing countries to power their appliances. Inside the MFC, the bio-film coates the carbon electrodes of the MFC which produces electrons when the bacterias start feeding. These electrons then generate electricity while passing through the electrodes.

Via: Daily mail

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