Biofuel from Bacteria

Dr. Tina Summerfield, a research fellow with the University of Otago, will be screening bacteria isolated from New Zealand environments for their ability to produce ethanol, hydrogen and other forms of bioenergy, according to a report in Energy Current.

She will also investigate how the microbes store and use energy over the next three years.

"The beauty of it is bacteria don't have to be grown on agricultural land like corn or other crops used to create biofuels - all you need is clear plastic tubes, light or heat, phosphate fertiliser and water," Dr Summerfield says in the report.

"The water does not have to be clean. Some people are experimenting with using grey water from sewerage treatment plants," she said during an interview with local media."

Dr. Summerfield is among 14 scientists having been granted the postdoctoral fellowship from New Zealand's Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.

TheBioenergySite News Desk

Sign up for our
regular news updates

Latest Bioenergy Industry News

•   Schafer Leads US Delegation to Brazil Conference
•   USDA Invites Applications for Biorefinery Loans
•   Biofuels Not to Blame for Food Price Rises
•   CAP Health Check Will Help Farmers
•   Energy Diversification and Climate Change
•   Immediate Reform of UN Body Urged
•   Project Breaks Solar Efficiency Record
•   Ethanol Agreement Between China and Brazil
•   Ethanol from Sugar for Angola
•   Biodiesel Plant Opens in Danville