MICROBES

An Invisible Universe
Book Review
The book titled MICROBES An Invisible Universe by Howard Gest was one
of the most informative and interesting books I have read on the world of
microbes. This book is 200 pages crammed full of detailed information about
the history and the function of microorganisms, also known as microbes. The
author, Dr. Howard Gest is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Microbiology
and Adjunct Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at Indiana
University, Bloomington. Dr. Gest is widely recognized for his research on
microbial physiology and metabolism.

The Ecology of microbes to one another and their surroundings is extraordinary with respect to
the diversity of chemical and physical conditions that can be tolerated. Microbes thrive in
extreme environments with regards to temperatures, high concentrations of salts and sugars,
relative acidity, and with or without the presence of oxygen.

I’ve had a few conversations and read comments by scientists, individuals and organizations who
promote the PLA industry claiming that biodegradation does not happen in landfill
environments. One person I met while attending NPE2009 in Chicago was so bold as to make
the statement that biodegradation does not happen anaerobically. I thought this was very
interesting as the process for producing lactic acid (which is a required process for PLA -
Polylactic Acid) is through the fermentation of corn starch. Fermentation is the biological
process in which sugars and starches are converted into cellular energy in anaerobic conditions
(a.k.a. anaerobic biodegradation). In fact, found on the BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)
website is an explanation on biodegradation. BPI quotes the following”.

“Myth: Biodegradable products are the preferred environmental solutions because waste simply
biodegrades in the landfill.

Reality: Nothing biodegrades in a landfill because nothing is supposed to.”

Although some would like to believe we can simply will away microbes from digesting garbage
in a landfill we have been unsuccessful up until this point. High school biology classes teach us
that biodegradation through microbial activity happens basically everywhere on the planet in
both aerobic and anaerobic environments. The environmental laws we have passed requiring
landfills to capture and burn the methane generated through the process of microbes breaking
down organic materials in anaerobic conditions is a testament that biodegradation does in fact
happen in landfills.

Although it may have seemed like magic to our ancestors and still today to a rare few, the
activities from microbes on our planet is so vital to our existence. As we continue to develop and
© ENSO Bottles, LLC ENSO Bottles, LLC  PO Box 15886  Phoenix, AZ 85060  TEL:
866-936-3676
 MICROBES
An Invisible Universe
Book Review
evolve as a species it is hopeful that we can recognize and develop symbiotic relationships with
these tiny organisms. One such relationship would be the creation of methane gases by allowing
microbes to naturally digest our organic waste which is then used as a source for clean
inexpensive energy. Our garbage becomes a source of microbial food which becomes a source
for clean energy which reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, which helps to improve the
environment and the planet.

References:

www.microbeworld.org
www.microbes.info
www.bioreactor.org
www.methanetomarkets.org

By Danny Clark
ENSO Bottles, LLC

Web: www.ensobottles.com

© ENSO Bottles, LLC ENSO Bottles, LLC  PO Box 15886  Phoenix, AZ 85060  TEL:
866-936-3676