Bacteria discovered to live under fuel tank caps could be our allies in the fight against environmental pollution. For some time now, scientists have been looking for types of bacteria that can degrade stubborn carbon sources like diesel or gasoline. With this aim in mind, researchers who investigated up to sea waters after oil leaks finally found these bacteria under a petrol cap. Fuel-consuming bacteria could play an important role in the fight against environmental pollution.
These bacteria can prevent environmental pollution
Researchers from Darwin Bioprospecting chose to look at their parking lots rather than afar for such types of bacteria. The idea behind these bacterial studies is based on the principle of removing chemical pollutants from the ocean and soil with the help of microorganisms. With this system, known as bioremediation, the use of bacteria to reduce pollution is targeted.
This new discovery emerged after examining five petrol and five diesel-fueled vehicles. It turned out that Manuel Porcar from the researchers’ Peugeot 206 and Juli Peretó’s Toyota Yaris Hybrid model car hosted these bacteria.
The bacteria were found in a sample taken from dirt soaked with fuel accumulating behind the gas cap of the Yaris. The researchers then cultivated the bacteria in the lab and fed it with diesel fuel, a carbon source. While the bacteria continued to decompose the diesel for two weeks, they also continued to grow.
Porcar stressed the adaptability of the gasoline-consuming bacteria in the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which consumed diesel fuel during the experiment. It was reported that the bacteria were quite healthy during this process.
Manuel Porcar and his team believe that a significant step could be taken to prevent environmental pollution with these bacteria. Especially during oil leaks that cause great harm to the environment, these bacteria could play an important role as our ally.
Especially in these days when oil prices are skyrocketing, we hear you asking how much fuel these bacteria consume. However, experts note that there is nothing to worry about for personal uses. The amount of fuel bacteria can consume is quite low compared to the consumption of cars. However, it is underlined that bacterial degradation in large fuel tanks can be a problem.
We hope this exciting discovery will help prevent environmental pollution. So what do you think about these fuel-consuming bacteria? You can share your opinions with us in the comments section.
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