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Pitch

A bacteria producing zero toxins multiplying within a matter of weeks may be the answer...


Description

Summary

      Purple Sulfur Bacteria are unique little creatures. They are quite similar to the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) species. They are photosynthetic in nature; they can use hydrogen sulfide or water interchangeably as a reducing agent; however, purple sulfur bacteria prefer sulfides and cyanobacteria prefer water. Purple sulfur use sulfides as both an food source and a reducing agent, however the bacteria can also function similar to algae; using sunlight to convert C02 to oxygen.

    Purple sulfur bacteria, in their natural habitat, do convert hydrogen sulfide into elemental sulfur, which would be a major by-product. However,  hydrogen sulfide is a heavy gas; thus, the levels of it in our atmosphere decrease exponentially with altitude. It is thus a logical conclusion to assume that the bacteria would not produce sulfur, because there would be no sulfides to make it from. Therefore, if purple bacteria used nothing but water vapor and carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, I believe there would be no by-products besides oxygen.

     Purple Sulfur Bacteria are quite hardy, but there are a few vital requirements: (1) Low oxygen levels, (2) High carbon dioxide levels (3) Plentiful sunlight (4) Like all plant and animal species, sufficient water, or water vapor. All of the components of the greenhouse layer seem to meet the requirements of these bacteria.  In the upper reaches of the Troposphere, where most all greenhouse gases exist, there is plenty of sunlight; however, quite conveniently, these gases are located just below the ozone, protecting the bacteria from harmful incoming Ultraviolet rays. Since levels of oxygen decrease with increasing altitude, the bacteria would survive well in this anoxic location in our atmosphere. As we all know, there are abundant amounts of carbon dioxide; and a secondary greenhouse gas exists “up there”, water vapor. In conclusion, these bacteria could live in the upper Troposphere.


Category of the action

Geoengineering


What actions do you propose?

A small amount of these bacteria may be sent up, say, a gallon full, and may be released in the upper troposphere, where the concentration of greenhouse gases are the strongest. 


Who will take these actions?

With economical costs and with such convenience, anyone with access to these bacteria may be able to try it.


Where will these actions be taken?


What are other key benefits?

Purple sulfur bacteria would essentially turn C02 into oxygen, so not only would the climate be stable, but also greater amounts of oxygen in our atmosphere.


What are the proposal’s costs?


Time line


Related proposals


References