For some time now, scientists have been looking for bacterial strains that can degrade stubborn carbon sources like diesel or gasoline. For this purpose, the researchers, who examined the sea waters after the oil spill, finally found these bacteria under a petrol cap. Fuel-consuming bacteria can play an important role in the fight against environmental pollution.
These bacteria can prevent environmental pollution
Researchers from Darwin Bioprospecting preferred to look in parking lots for this type of bacteria instead of looking far away. The idea behind these bacterial studies is based on the removal of chemical pollutants from the ocean and soil with the help of microorganisms. With this system, called bioremediation, it is aimed to use bacteria to reduce pollution.
This new discovery came after examining five petrol and five diesel fueled vehicles. It turned out that one of the researchers, Manuel Porcar’s Peugeot 206, and Juli Peretó’s Toyota Yaris Hybrid model vehicle were home to the aforementioned bacteria.
Bacteria were found in a sample of the fuel-soaked dirt that had accumulated behind the fuel filler cap of the Yaris. The researchers then grew the bacteria in the lab and fed it diesel fuel, a source of carbon. As the bacteria continued to decompose the nitrogen for two weeks, they continued to evolve.
Porcar emphasized the adaptive ability of gasoline-consuming bacteria in the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, reminding that they consumed diesel fuel during the experiment. It was stated that the bacteria were quite healthy during this process.
Manuel Porcar and his team believe that an important step can be taken to prevent environmental pollution with these bacteria. Especially during oil spills that damage the environment, these bacteria can play an important role as our ally.
We seem to hear you ask how much fuel these bacteria consume, especially these days when oil prices are soaring. However, experts state that there is nothing to worry about for personal use. The amount of fuel that bacteria can consume is quite low compared to the consumption of automobiles. However, it is underlined that bacterial degradation in fuels in large tanks can be a problem.
This very exciting invention will hopefully help prevent environmental pollution. So what do you think about these fuel-consuming bacteria? You can share your views with us in the comments section.
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