Desulfitobacteria Turn Waste into Power

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are working with bacteria that not only render harmless toxic waste, but also produce electricity as they eat.

"These bacteria are very diverse in their metabolic capabilities, including the food that they can consume. That means that these bacteria can convert a large number of different food sources into electricity," says [Research Specialist Charles] Milliken. "The technology could be used to assist in the reclamation of wastewaters, thereby resulting in the removal of waste and generation of electricity."