A waste byproduct of biodiesel production can be transformed from a source of environmental pollution into a source of energy, according to a study conducted by the São Carlos School of Engineering at São Paulo University. In its pure form, glycerol (also known as glycerin) is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic liquid used in a wide range of industries. But when formed as a byproduct of biodiesel production, it carries impurities that are very costly to remove. This is why it is normally disposed of as waste, thus polluting the environment.

Michael Viana, the researcher heading up the study, told Tierramérica that anaerobic microorganisms were added to the glycerol. "These are organisms that live without oxygen, whose respiration takes the form of processes like fermentation," he explained.

"These organisms convert the glycerol into methane gas, a substance that can be used to generate energy in the same biodiesel production plant," he said.