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Beer and Bacteria to be used in Toxin Cleanup

Posted by Hemos on from the cleaning-it-up dept.

GospelHead821 writes "According to this article in Popular Science, a chemistry student at the University of Tulsa is driving research into use of toxin-munching "sulfate-reducing bacteria" (SRBs) to help cleanup toxic, solid effluent from abandoned zinc and lead mines near her home. Where does the beer come in? Apparently, it has proved an excellent food source for the bacteria and helps to extend the lifespan of the normally short-lived SRBs by several months. Currently, the procedure is in the testing phase, with models being employed to simulate the conditions that would be present in a large-scale detoxification plant, which in turn, is based on the natural wetlands from which these bacteria hail."

3 of 115 comments (clear)

  1. Sorry, I couldn't resist. by devphil · · Score: 5, Funny
    with models being employed to simulate the conditions that would be present in a large-scale detoxification plant,

    And it runs on beer? You'll also have to build a second detox facility for the workers...

    --
    You cannot apply a technological solution to a sociological problem. (Edwards' Law)
  2. I can see where the beer comes from... by ralmeida · · Score: 5, Funny

    Dr. Kolynsqwerky: What is this bottle of beer doing here?

    Student: It's... hmmm... an excellent food source for the bacteria and helps to extend the lifespan of the normally short-lived SRBs by several months, Dr.!

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  3. Tiny little steins by isomeme · · Score: 5, Funny

    You know, this gives a whole new meaning to "microbrew".

    --
    When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a skull.