Space bacterium could turn into new energy source

One type of bacteria, usually found orbiting 32 kilometers off the earth's surface, can become a new source of energy. Bacillus stratosphericus, found at the mouth of the Wear River, located in the city of Sunderland, England, was probably brought to the earth's surface through atmospheric cycles, which cause evaporating water to rise to the stratosphere and fall back.

Space bacteria can generate twice as much energy compared to other bacteria, and scientists at Newcastle University believe they can be grown for use in developing country electrical devices.

When employed in a special battery - called a microbial fuel cell - Bacillus stratosphericus produces carbon dioxide, protons and electrons when kept in an oxygen-free solution. The positive and negative charges released then produce the two charges required to generate an electric current.

According to the researchers, they were able to generate up to 200 watts of electricity per cubic meter which, while not much, would be enough to provide a source of energy in places where it does not exist, as well as proving the potential in using organisms. such as a new form of energy generation.