A major draw back of using fuel as energy is the pollution it produces as a byproduct. However, recent breakthroughs from scientists in Pennsylvania have discovered a new fuel cell that converts pollution from coal and metal mines into energy. A major problem associated with this pollution is called Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). AMD is the buildup of iron and other metals in everything from plants to water supplies. AMD is a major environmental concern and has very costly consequences. The new fuel cell technology is based on microbial fuel cells; and recent studies have shown, that when placed in wastewater similar to AMD, the new cell efficiently removes dissolved iron and creates electricity. Researchers hope that improvements will lead to more efficient power generation in the future… but this new technology brings hope to a very pollutant fuel. [1]
I always find new technology for renewable energy interesting. I particularly found this article interesting; when it combined the potential for both water treatment and a renewable energy source. Currently, coal has been put on the ‘back burner’ as an energy source because of its environmental effects. But if we could convert the pollution into a good thing; then I think this technology has some very interesting applications. Either way, I think the next few decades will produce some interesting alternative fuels, and recycling methods.
[1] ScienceDaily 4 December 2007. 3 December 2007
1 comment:
first sentence should read "coal as energy" not "fuel as energy".... couldn't edit it.
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