Chinese scientists have made a significant discovery in wastewater recycling, using genetically modified bacteria powered by solar energy to convert contaminated water into useful chemicals.

The research, led by Professor Gao Xiang from the Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, was published in Nature Sustainability.

The scientists used Vibrio natriegens, a saltwater-resistant microorganism, which has the unique ability to use over 200 types of organic materials as nutrients.

The process involves the bacteria absorbing sulfate from the environment and producing hydrogen sulfide gas, which combines with metal ions in the wastewater to create semiconductor nanoparticles.

These nanoparticles, when exposed to light, absorb solar energy and convert it into electrons, providing additional energy to the bacteria.

In lab experiments, 99% of cadmium ions were extracted from wastewater and transferred to cadmium sulfide particles, also known as quantum dots.

The process also converts organic pollutants into a valuable byproduct, 2,3-butanediol, used in cosmetics, agriculture, and healthcare.

The scientists are working on optimizing the process, which has potential to revolutionize semiconductor production and wastewater recycling globally.