 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
With gas prices averaging more than $3 a gallon, the demand for cheaper, alternative fuels has led many people in search of new ways to create ethanol, an alcoholic fuel that can be used in flex-fuel vehicles.
Ethanol currently sells for about $2.71 a gallon, about 57 cents less than regular unleaded.
While most ethanol produced in the United State's has come from corn, scientists plumbing the depths of the Chesapeake Bay have found an alternative: bacteria.
Zymetis, a new spin-off company at the University of Maryland says their bacterium was discovered years ago in the Chesapeake Bay, but its potential is only now being realized.
"It could eat things that you'd normally find around the house, such as newspaper, paper, plant material of any kind," said professor Steve Hutchenson of Zymetis Inc.
The enzymes from the bacteria break down the waste materials, transforming it in 36 hours from a lumpy amalgam into liquid.
After a few more steps, the liquid is converted to ethanol.
"So instead of it going into a landfill, now you're producing something that you can run your car off of," said Hutchenson.
In addition to the more environmentally conscious aspects of the bacterially produced fuel, there are humanitarian benefits as well.
The growing demand for corn to produce ethanol has driven up global food prices. Growing demand for corn because of ethanol has led farmers to plant more of it, while cutting back on other crops, which has in turned raised prices for wheat, soybeans and other farm products, including meat and milk.
"There are many issues with using food to produce fuel, particularly when everyone in the world is not as well fed as they would like to be," said driver Geoff Heenan.
Zymetis plans to build a full-scale facility by next year. When up to full speed, Zymetis could be producing 75-billion gallons of ethanol a year, with hopes that customers will soon have a lower-priced alternative to gasoline.
"If it's something that'll save me money, then i'll definitely look into it," said motorist Terri Thompson.
ABC 7 News to leave comments on news stories.