Scientists Discover Microorganism that Can Take CO2 Out of the Atmosphere

Researchers at the University of Georgia claim they have discovered a way to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and make use of it, possibly even to create fuel.  Phys.org reports that “Their discovery may soon lead to the creation of biofuels made directly from the carbon dioxide in the air that is responsible for trapping the sun’s rays and raising global temperatures.”

Michael Adams

“Basically, what we have done is create a microorganism that does with carbon dioxide exactly what plants do—absorb it and generate something useful,” said Michael Adams, member of UGA’s Bioenergy Systems Research Institute.  Just like photosynthesis removes CO2 from the atmosphere to make sugars that feed plants, these microorganisms, called Pyrococcus furiosus or “rushing fireball,” have been genetically manipulated to feed on CO2 in the atmosphere.

The research team then used hydrogen gas to create a chemical reaction in the microorganism that incorporates carbon dioxide into 3-hydroxypropionic acid, a common industrial chemical used to make acrylics and many other products. With other genetic manipulations of this new strain of P. furiosus, Adams and his colleagues could create a version that generates a host of other useful industrial products, including fuel, from carbon dioxide.

Adams claims that when the P. furiosus fuel is burned, it releases the same amount of CO2 that was needed to create it.  While this supposed ‘carbon-neutrality’ may sound better than oil or coal, it is still problematic.  There are several concerns about the viability and longevity of genetically modified microorganisms, not to mention the energy needed to carry out these processes, generate hydrogen, etc.  As well, carbon neutrality is not good enough at this stage in our emissions history, and renewable energy sources should be at the forefront of our innovation.  Adams rash statement that this discovery will allow us to “cut out plants as the middlemen” of carbon sequestering is also a preposterous red flag.  However, this discovery could prove very useful in removing CO2 from our atmosphere as we transition into a renewable energy economy.