From bin bag waste to jet fuel

In this video Aritha Dornau describes how renewable carbon sources can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels and how microorganisms have the potential to play a role in this process. A microorganism called Rhodococcus opacus can convert the carbon from organic landfill waste into molecules called triacylglycerols, which can be converted into biodiesel, turning rubbish into a useful resource.

Here are some questions to consider while you’re watching the video. We’d be happy to hear your views in the comments once you’ve watched the video.

• Why do we need to find alternatives to petroleum for making fuels and products?
• What are some examples of renewable biomass?
• Why is landfill waste a good source of renewable biomass?