Scientists create biofuel from old newspapers
Scientists create biofuel from old newspapers Christina Rogers/ The Detroit NewsFirst birdcage liners, now fuel.
Scientists at Tulane University have discovered a new use for discarded newspapers — one that can turn yesterday's news into the alternative fuel of tomorrow.
Their research has hit upon a bacterial strain that chomps away at the cellulose in old newsprint, turning the organic material into butanol, a bio-substitute for the gas tank.
The strain is the first bacterial microbe found in nature that produces butanol directly from cellulose, a material found in all green plants, university officials say.
A team led by Tulane molecular biology professor David Mullin discovered the microbe in animal dung at the New Orleans zoo and dubbed the strain TU-103, using the university's initials.
"In the United States alone, at least 323 million tons of cellulosic materials that could be used to produce butanol are thrown out each year," said Harshad Velankar, a postdoctoral fellow working with Mullin's group.
Cutting soot emissions could be climate quick fix
Reducing soot emissions from diesel engines and other sources could be the fastest, most economical way to slow the melting of Arctic sea ice, researchers say.
Mark Z Jacobson of Stanford University says that controlling soot could reduce warming above parts of the Arctic Circle by almost three degrees Fahrenheit within 15 years - amost canceling out all of the last 100 years' warming.
"No other measure could have such an immediate effect. Soot emissions are second only to carbon dioxide in promoting global warming, but its effects have been underestimated in previous climate models," says Jacobsen.
"Consequently, soot’s effect on climate change has not been adequately addressed in national and international global warming legislation. Soot emissions account for about 17 percent of global warming, more than greenhouse gases like methane. Soot’s contribution, however, could be reduced by 90 percent in 5-10 years with aggressive national and international policies."
Mobile MagazineA team led by Tulane molecular biology professor David Mullin discovered the microbe in animal dung at the New Orleans zoo and dubbed the strain TU-103, using the university's initials. "In the United States alone, at least 323 million tons of Scientists Discover Microbes That Turn Newspaper Into Biofuelall 54 news articles »
The cows' barn is hosed down every day, and the manure is drawn away by gravity to the manure building, where it's separated into solid and liquids. Red California worms break down 25 to 30 tons of animal manure every week in a special room attached to
Major sources include exhaust from diesel cars, buses, trucks, ships, aircraft, agricultural machines, construction equipment and the wood/animal dung fires that hundreds of millions of people in developing countries use for used for cooking and and more »
