Researchers in Florida have been performing groundbreaking work on turning rotten, damaged and generally unfit for sale tomatoes into electricity; this could not only produce a major source of green energy, but also has the potential to tackle Florida's tomato waste problem.
The researchers working on the pilot project believe the new “tomato battery” has so much potential that it could eventually generate enough energy from the state’s tomato waste to power Disney World’s 43 square mile complex of hotels, theme parks, golf courses and shopping centres for three months of the year.
The process could also reduce Florida’s tomato waste, which currently sees 396,000 tons dumped into landfills and waterways each year, causing significant problems for the environment.
The scientists are using bacteria to break down and oxidise “defective” tomato waste – a chemical reaction which releases electrons that can be captured in a fuel cell and be a source of electricity.
Tomatoes are particularly well suited to the job because they contain a bright red carotene pigment which the researchers have found to be an excellent catalyst for generating electrical charges.
Team leader Professor Venkataramana Gadhamshetty said: “We wanted to find a way to treat this waste that, when dumped in landfills, can produce methane – a powerful greenhouse gas – and when dumped in water bodies, can create major water treatment problems.”
He acknowledges that the amount of electricity they are generating from tomato waste is relatively small, but says with more research and development the energy output can be increased many times over.
He plans to improve the cell by determining which of its parts – electrode, bacteria or wiring – are slowing the flow of electricity and will seek to adapt or replace that part.
Source: independent.co.uk