
Bacteria May Provide Biofuel, Cheap Nitrogen
FertilizerBy Jill Lee December 26, 1996A quirk of nature may someday
provide an inexpensive biofuel or improve the production of man-made
fertilizers. Some soil microorganisms use enzymes that contain iron or iron and
vanadium, elements naturally present in soil, to convert nitrogen in the
atmosphere into a form plants can use for growth. Hydrogen thats produced in the nitrogen-conversion process--but not
used by the plants--could be collected and put to work as a biofuel, scientists
say. Another plus: Bacteria that use iron in this process could provide clues as
to how iron might serve as a catalyst in making nitrogen fertilizers. Current
ammonium fertilizer production uses extremely high temperatures and pressure, a
process that requires lots of fossil fuel. An alternative process could lower
costs and preserve fuel. Scientific contact: Paul Bishop,
Soybean and
Nitrogen Conservation Laboratory, Raleigh, N.C., (919) 515-3770 Story contacts Paul E Bishop U.S. Department of Agriculture | |