[BBC] The bacteria that can capture carbon: Could minuscule organisms help the world meet its climate goals?
[BBC] The bacteria that can capture carbon: Could minuscule organisms help the world meet its climate goals?
Could minuscule organisms help the world meet its climate goals?
Summary
Scientists are exploring the potential of microbes, particularly cyanobacteria, to help address climate change and other environmental challenges. A new strain of cyanobacteria discovered near Sicily was found to consume carbon dioxide (CO2) rapidly through photosynthesis, converting it into biomass. These microbes can capture more carbon in a shorter time frame and can be grown in non-arable land or seawater, not competing with food production. Researchers are creating a "living database" to share DNA sequences, allowing scientists worldwide to continue studying these microbes. Microbes can also be used to address the decline in pollinator populations, offering a multifaceted approach to environmental issues.
Anything that doesn't require humanity to make any changes!
Could they also eat plastic?
I do recall reading about some that can digest plastic a while back… but they weren’t especially efficient at it and if given the opportunity to digest something more conventional, they’d prioritize that. I also don’t recall what the plastic was broken down into.
At the very least it’s a lead, if not actually a solution.
Emm, what? I'd say rampant photosynthesis by cyanobacteria is not a great way to tackle climate change. Yes, it will draw down CO2, but also produce O2. O2 is way more reactive and toxic than CO2, and generally not something you want to have too much off (unless you want to burn/explode something that is).
Maybe another 'great oxygenation event' is not what we should strife for...?
That is aside from other potential negative consequences of cyanobacterial blooms, which generally kill other life through toxins or by shading deeper water layers (and subsequent oxygen depletion when built up organic matter breaks down, leading to death bottom areas in the sea)
He describes cyanobacteria as "nature's little alchemists" as they absorb large amounts of CO2 and can convert it into useful resources, such as fuels or biodegradable plastics.
Capture the CO2 just to release it again? This is a problem with carbon capture schemes even if you solve efficiency, where does the carbon go? The next paragraph says something about them falling to the floor of the ocean due to their density, but I'd be surprised if most of that CO2 didn't end up back in the atmosphere or even worse, temporarily acidifying the water.