Microbes Produce Power As They Clean Nuclear Waste

An anonymous reader writes "Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have isolated and explained the phenomenon that causes microbes to generate electricity while cleaning up nuclear waste. The team is hoping to use their findings to create a microbial fuel cell that is capable of generating renewable energy while it cleans up environments exposed to nuclear waste. The bacteria the team studied is a kind of geobacter that is covered in a coat of tiny, natural nanowires that protect the bacteria from the toxic materials. While completing the complex task of stabilizing radioactive spills, the bacteria simultaneously creates energy that can be harnessed and used as a zero-emissions power supply."

Comments

Almost there...

[wsxyz]

Now if we can only find a bacterium that converts sunlight into nuclear waste we'll have near infinite clean energy!

The power is chemical

[JoshuaZ]

Note that what is going on is essentially chemical, not nuclear. That is, the bacteria are getting energy out by chemical processes of elements that happen to be radioactive. If one had a sample of pure uranium 238 (which is radioactive but only a tiny bit so, with a very very long halflife) these bacteria would act identically. And if one could magically make uranium not radioactive the behavior of these bacteria would not change at all.

Re:The power is chemical

[tinkerton]

What this does is turning radioactive waste into living radioactive waste...
It's better than that. While the value of the bacteria generating energy seems utterly irrelevant, the bacteria do provide opportunities to concentrate the nuclear material , in other words, to remove it from the environment, and that's valuable. And maybe there is some minor value in the energy part, it could be a measure of activity.

Re:The power is chemical

[Required Snark]

How it behaves. from TFA

“Our findings clearly identify nanowires as being the primary catalyst for uranium reduction.They are essentially performing nature’s version of electroplating with uranium, effectively immobilizing the radioactive material and preventing it from leaching into groundwater,” said Gemma Reguera a MSU microbiologist.

The bacteria take uranium out of solution and turn it into nanowires outside their outer membrane. They have tested it outside in a uranium mine tailings pile. The goal is to build a bacterial water treatment cell that produces electricity while it filters out dissolved uranium.

This is not for generating power, the energy produced is a by-product. I doubt that the resultant energy would pay for it's own production. However, the electricity could be used to help pump water through the system, which is a neat trick and will help to reduce cleanup costs.

Re:Hmmm.....

[0100010001010011]

A rat teaches them martial arts?

Re:Nuclear Power + Genetic Modifications

[cduffy]

If they oppose it, then it is a clear proof that their motivations are not as clear as they wish us to believe.

You're forgetting about Hanlon's Razor.

The larger concern I have here -- a position taken that anyone in disagreement must be duplicitous, without even allowing an opposing argument to be first presented, is no way to have a serious discussion.

This is, indeed, great research. Why muddy the waters with a bunch of flamebaiting?

Re:Nuclear Power + Genetic Modifications

[Anonymous Coward]

This is an example of great research. I am proud that it was all done by a team of female researchers.

Proud because possessing a vagina limits scientific prowess? Or proud because they scored one for team vagina?

despite your uid, you must be new here

[mevets]

This is slashdot, and using a topic to pursue your own agenda is part of what makes this a shitty experience.

Re:Nuclear Power + Genetic Modifications

[lucm]

> Proud because possessing a vagina limits scientific prowess?

Proud because a team of female researchers is half the price, so it is not only a scientific achievement, but also an economical one.