Create energy from bacteria in termite gut

Termites are one of the most dangerous pests in the world. Each year, they can eat up to millions of wood. Currently, American scientists are studying the possibility of termite species destruction as a possible solution to the US energy crisis.

This insect, with lots of bacteria in the gut, could be the solution to an endless fuel source. By terminating both degraded cellulose fibers such as wood. Cellulose is a crude fuel found in branches and stems.

Researcher Jared Leadbetter of the California Institute of Technology (USA) is studying enzymes in termite gut and his research shows that the process by which termites digest wood can be a source of ethanol for fuel. Another form of energy is found as a byproduct of cellulose digestion, hydrogen.

According to Jared, the intestinal bacteria of termites can produce hydrogen gas when cellulose passes through the digestive tract. By replicating these enzymes in the laboratory and building a harvesting method, Mr. Jared believes it can produce Ethanol or Hydrogen from digestion.

Currently, some laboratories are working on focusing on Enzymes and how to convert plants or cheap bio-waste into fermentable and hydrogen gas.

If this hydrogen gas is collected, or the gas production process is replicated, the prospect of a hydrogen fuel source will become a reality in just a few years. At that time, the energy supplied to the hydrogen gas vehicles will become more abundant than today when hydrogen gas is mainly prepared from water.

Use of enzymes in industries also minimizes the harmful effects of toxic chemicals, environmental pollution and reduced dependence on oil. However, scientists believe that it will take another one to two decades for their research to be widely applied.