Possible future impacts include the reduction of greenhouse gases, less dependency on fossil fuels, preservation of domestic resources, and stimulation of rural economies.
impact statement issue
Fossil fuels, our main source of energy, will become scarce in the near future. Their consumption is causing global warming. Sustainable management and supplies of renewable energy need to be developed if we want to keep the current standard of living and protect earth's natural resources. My research is aimed to benefit anyone on this planet. Worldwide awareness of the necessity of unlocking new renewable energy resources has grown.
impact statement response
I have been working in collaboration with scientists at the USDA National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. We have been investigating production of butanol from lignocellulosic biomass in a two-step fermentation process.
My part in the project involved the 2nd step of the fermentation process. We used a defined culture of Clostridium acetobutylicum to convert butyrate (generated by mixed microbial communities in the first fermentation step) into butanol. We have successfully achieved this step, which resulted in a peer-reviewed publication. I am currently investigating the possibility to use synthesis gas derived from pyrolysis of lignocellulos as a source of electrons and energy for the conversion of n-butyrate into n-butanol. A manuscript is in preparation.
impact statement summary
We are developing a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass (agricultural waste like wheat straw or corn stover) into butanol, a renewable fuel that can be used to power combustion engines.
