Rice paddies and water purification installations
Back in the lab, researchers examine the characteristics of suitable organisms by feeding them in a controlled environment. Two methane-eating species come in handy: organisms that live in an environment with or without oxygen. ‘The organisms that need oxygen help limit methane emissions in rice paddies, for example, while organisms that can do without oxygen are very useful in water treatment plants.’
Welte and her team are also investigating how methane-eating micro-organisms can generate electricity. By linking them to electrodes, microorganisms can convert methane into electricity. Welte emphasizes that there are still steps to be taken before the promising technology can be deployed on a large scale: ‘This could offer solutions for the problems of tomorrow, but then cooperation with engineering scientists and companies is required. It is up to us to make the discoveries that engineers can develop into practical applications.’
Lost talent
On 10 March, Welte will present a lecture during the celebration of International Women's Day. The position of women in science is close to her heart. ‘It is already difficult to increase the percentage of female professors, and that will only become more difficult with the budget cuts. The thought that young women have fewer opportunities in science pains me.’ She laments the talent that is lost if we proceed like this. ‘A country like the Netherlands also needs these talented female scientists to remain relevant as an innovative country.’
Celebration International Women’s Day
Do you like to hear more about Cornelia Welte's research? Her lecture during the celebration of International Women's Day is free to attend.
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Photo: The Ooijpolder near Nijmegen. Photographer: Gertjan van Noord via Flickr.
