Generating electricity from waste tomato

A team of scientists is exploring an unusual source of electricity; they spoiled tomatoes that are not suitable for sale to the public. Its pilot project is based on a cell (cell) biological fuel using waste disposed of tomato crops Florida.

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The team Namita Shrestha and Venkataramana Gadhamshetty, School of Mines and Technology of South Dakota, in the United States, found that rotten tomatoes and damaged that are discarded could be a source of energy particularly powerful if used in a cell microbial electrochemistry. The process also helps to purify the solid waste from tomatoes and associated wastewater.

Tomatoes are an essential crop in Florida. Therefore, the new technology could be practical and important in many areas of the state, as well as any agricultural people around the world who are very dedicated to growing tomatoes. In the case of Florida, the state generates 396,000 tons of tomato waste each year, but lacks a good system for processing them.

Microbial electrochemical cell can take advantage tomato waste to generate electricity. To this end, it uses bacteria to break down and oxidize the organic material in tomatoes unfit for the food sector.

The oxidation process triggered by bacteria that interact with residues tomato, releases electrons which is captured in the fuel cell and become a source of electricity. Researchers have found that lycopene, a natural pigment in tomatoes, is an excellent mediator to promote the generation of electric charges from damaged fruit.

Connell
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