Camels' Stomachs Could Provide Key to Cheap, Renewable Biofuel

Process, R & D Focus, United Arab Emirates UAE, University/College Programs

November 27, 2012

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by Alya Al Tunaiji (The National) …At the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, I am currently focusing my master’s thesis research on the biogas-producing potential of the microbes that live in camels’ stomachs.
Large ruminants – plant-eating mammals such as cows, goats and camels – have a unique ability to turn the most seemingly inedible plant matter into a source of nutrients. They manage that partly thanks to their multi-chamber stomachs, but also with help from the microscopic organisms that live in their stomachs and break down otherwise insoluble material.
…Using metagenomics, we are working to identify the community of microbes in camels’ stomachs, and their properties. Then we can find out which ones produce the most methane when they break down and digest plant matter.
We hope eventually to be able to be able to produce a regular supply of renewable methane biogas, to help the UAE become more sustainable. READ MORE

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