Search

Newly Discovered Bacteria ‘Chonkus’ Offers Potential for Cleaning Up Carbon Dioxide

We are an online community created around a smart and easy to access information hub which is focused on providing proven global and local insights about sustainability

07 Nov, 2024

This post was originally published on Eco Watch

Scientists have discovered a type of cyanobacteria found in marine volcanic vents, or seeps, that could help capture carbon dioxide emissions. However, finding a way to engineer and harvest the bacteria at industrial rates will be needed to help realize its potential.

The bacteria, known as UTEX 3222 or “Chonkus,” is a strain of Cyanobacterium aponinum that was found to reach high-density growth in scientific experiments. Chonkus was taken from marine volcanic vents in the Mediterranean Sea that had an environment high in carbon dioxide. In their tests, scientists found that Chonkus grew quickly on a solid medium, in liquid and in the presence of conditions including high light, high salinity and high pH levels.

Researchers collect samples of seawater from a shallow volcanic seep off the coast of the island of Vulcano, where volcanic vents ensure the water has a high level of dissolved CO2. Wyss Institute at Harvard University

Like plants, Chonkus metabolizes carbon dioxide and sunlight to create food for itself, but cyanobacteria can absorb even more carbon dioxide than plants. As the National Renewable Energy Laboratory reported, cyanobacteria like Chonkus can fix carbon dioxide about twice as efficiently as plants, plus they have the benefit of rapid growth to further improve their carbon-sequestering properties.

Scientists have known about this potential, but the new study, which was published in the journal Applied and Industrial Microbiology, pinpoints a particular cyanobacteria that grows faster than other studied specimens. As Grist reported, Chonkus in particular presented rapid growth and density in lab settings that made it especially promising for absorbing more carbon dioxide.

“When you grow a culture of bacteria, it looks like broth and the bacteria are very dilute in the culture, but we found that Chonkus would settle into this stuff that is much more dense, like a green peanut butter,” said Max Schubert, a lead author of the study and a lead project scientists at Align to Innovate, as reported by Grist.

Chonkus also has an advantage of naturally separating from water, which sets it apart from other cyanobacteria and algae that have been considered for carbon sequestration. While this trait further improves its potential, scientists still need to figure out how to genetically modify the bacteria in order to use it for efficient carbon dioxide fixing.

But scientists have only scratched the surface on finding cyanobacteria like Chonkus to help with carbon sequestration, so they may be able to not only engineer Chonkus for carbon sequestration but find other organisms to help with this mission.

“There’s no question we’ll keep finding really, really interesting biology in these vents,” said Braden Tierney, a lead author of the study and a microbiologist and executive director of The Two Frontiers Project, as Grist reported. “I can’t stress enough that this was just the first expedition.”

In addition to publishing their findings on the carbon sequestration potential of Chonkus, the research team also told BBC that they are developing a “living database” of bacteria samples that will allow other scientists around the world to further study microbes, even after the expeditions are over.

“Compared to other [carbon capture] solutions, microbes are infinitely replicable,” Tierney told BBC. “While there is no silver bullet for tackling climate change, it is really exciting to find an organism that is a really high performing engine for carbon capture.”

The post Newly Discovered Bacteria ‘Chonkus’ Offers Potential for Cleaning Up Carbon Dioxide appeared first on EcoWatch.

Pass over the stars to rate this post. Your opinion is always welcome.
[Total: 0 Average: 0]

You may also like…

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

0 Comments