# Bacteria Bioenergy Keerthi Venkataramanan Uncovers a Brilliant Way To Recycle Biofuel Byproducts By Jordan M | Published 2011-02-04 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keerthi-venkataramanan References: [cleantechnica](http://cleantechnica.com/2011/01/31/workhorse-bacteria-solves-biofuel-waste-problem/) One downside to the [production of biofuel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircela) is that it produces a troublesome amount of crude glycerol (about 100,000 gallons per million gallons of biodiesel), but a young scientist named Keerthi Venkataramanan has found a way to mitigate that problem. Keerthi Venkataramanan has found that a type of bacteria known as Clostidium Pasteurianum actually eats crude glycerol and produces acids that can be used to create three different types of alcohol-based fuel (butanol, propanediol, and ethanol) in the process. The discovery is an amazing one and could drastically improve the [sustainability of biofuel manufacturing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pfas-removal-technology). Keep up the good work Keerthi! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Biofuel Sustainability:** The discovery of bacteria that can convert biofuel byproducts into renewable fuels opens up opportunities for more sustainable biofuel manufacturing. - **Glycerol Upcycling:** The process of converting crude glycerol into valuable fuels through bacterial consumption presents possibilities for reducing waste and maximizing resource utilization. - **Alcohol-based Alternative Fuels:** The production of different types of alcohol-based fuels from crude glycerol using bacteria offers potential for finding alternative fuel solutions. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Biofuel Production:** The biofuel production industry can explore incorporating bacteria-mediated glycerol upcycling techniques to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can benefit from the development of sustainable biofuel manufacturing methods using bacteria to convert biofuel byproducts into usable fuels. - **Waste Management:** The waste management industry can explore opportunities for glycerol upcycling through effective bioremediation solutions with bacteria, contributing to a more circular economy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [National Biogas Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compressed-biogas-energy.md) - [Bamboo-Based Biofuel Pathways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-biorefinery.md) - [Seafood Waste Bioplastics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natnov-bioscience.md) - [Improved Battery Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-sustainability.md) - [Sustainable Truck Modifications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clearflame.md) - [Kombucha By-Product-Formed Leathers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scoby.md) - [Living Footwear Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jessica-thies-synthiesis.md) - [Biodegradable Glitter Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-glitter1.md) - [Shrimp Waste Carbon Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-sharjah.md)