Chinese researchers discover CO2-binding marine bacterium

Researchers in China have discovered a marine bacterium in the Yellow Sea that possesses the dual ability to bind carbon dioxide and degrade pollutants such as xylene. This microorganism can convert CO2 into biomass while consuming hydrocarbons commonly found in fuels and solvents.

Using a new method called ‘scRACS-Culture’—which combines laser technology with targeted sorting of individual bacterial cells—scientists from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology and the Qingdao University of Science and Technology isolated six CO2-binding strains in just seven days. This process is significantly faster than traditional methods, which often require at least 90 days. The study, published in the journal Bioresource Technology, notes that none of the identified strains had been previously captured by common genetic detection methods. This discovery could eventually assist in cleaning contaminated coastal waters.