The BIG Potential of SMALL Organisms: Cleaning our Environment... | Cecilia Martinez-Gomez | TEDxMSU

Summary

In this engaging talk, a microbiologist explores the fascinating role of bacteria, specifically *Mesorhizobium*, in addressing major societal challenges, such as the sustainable production of technology and the management of electronic waste. Highlighting the environmental impact of rare earth metal mining, the speaker reveals how these bacteria can utilize toxic compounds and extract valuable resources, turning waste into a sustainable solution. By harnessing the unique capabilities of *Mesorhizobium*, the research suggests a promising future for environmentally friendly technology production and effective waste recycling, showcasing the significant potential of microbiology in solving contemporary issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microbiologists study bacteria, which can have both beneficial and harmful effects on society.
• 😀 Bacteria are integral to producing food products like yogurt and cheese, showcasing their usefulness.
• 😀 The demand for technology leads to challenges in rare earth production and disposal of old devices.
• 😀 Rare earth metals are essential for modern technology but are often difficult and dangerous to extract.
• 😀 The U.S. relies heavily on China for rare earths, highlighting a vulnerability in technology supply chains.
• 😀 *Mesorhizobium* bacteria can utilize rare earth elements for growth, offering a potential solution to sourcing these metals.
• 😀 Instead of breaking down sugars and fats like humans, *Mesorhizobium* can transform toxic compounds into valuable products.
• 😀 Electronic waste (e-waste) poses a significant environmental challenge, with only 1% of rare earths being recycled in the U.S.
• 😀 The research explored whether *Mesorhizobium* could thrive on rare earth ores and recycled e-waste, finding it effective.
• 😀 Optimizing *Mesorhizobium* growth could lead to sustainable methods for extracting rare earths and producing valuable materials.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's research?

The speaker focuses on studying bacteria, specifically how they can help solve societal challenges related to technology production and waste disposal.

Why are rare earth metals important for technology?

Rare earth metals are crucial for the production of various technological devices, such as cell phones and laptops, as they enhance the performance of components like batteries and speakers.

What challenges are associated with the extraction of rare earth metals?

Extracting rare earth metals is expensive, dangerous, and environmentally harmful due to the complex processes involved in mining and refining them.

How does the speaker describe the abundance of rare earth metals?

Despite their name, rare earth metals are not actually rare; they are abundant but difficult to extract in high concentrations, leading to challenges in mining.

What is *Methylobacterium*, and why is it significant?

*Methylobacterium* is a type of bacteria that can grow on rare earths and utilize toxic compounds to produce valuable products, making it a potential solution for mining and recycling rare earths.

What toxic compounds can *Methylobacterium* utilize?

*Methylobacterium* can utilize toxic compounds such as methane and formaldehyde to produce sugars and fats, which are valuable for various applications.

What is the problem with electronic waste in the United States?

The United States discards approximately 4.4 million metric tons of electronic waste annually, with only about 1% of rare earths from this waste being recycled.

How did the speaker's lab test the capabilities of *Methylobacterium*?

The lab conducted experiments using rare earth ores and electronic waste materials to determine if *Methylobacterium* could grow on them and extract rare earths.

What is the goal of optimizing the process with *Methylobacterium*?

The goal is to enhance the bacteria's ability to grow on electronic waste and efficiently extract pure rare earths for reuse in new technology.

What are some potential applications of the transformations performed by *Methylobacterium*?

The transformations include producing biofuels, bioplastics, and precursors for antibiotics, as well as cleaning the environment by removing toxic compounds.