New hope for ocean carbon sequestration found in carbon-eating cyanobacteria

Researchers from Harvard's Wyss Institute have identified a strain of cyanobacteria, UTEX 3222, dubbed "Chonkus," which rapidly consumes and stores CO2. Native to Italy’s Vulcano Island, Chonkus thrives in carbon-rich environments, forming dense cells that sink to the seafloor, enhancing its potential for ocean carbon sequestration. Unlike most cyanobacteria, Chonkus stores carbon in intracellular granules and is easier to handle due to its paste-like consistency. The discovery holds promise for mitigating climate change and advancing biomanufacturing, including omega-3 production. Researchers aim to leverage Chonkus' unique traits for environmental and industrial applications through initiatives such as the Two Frontiers Project. (Extreme Technology)