Cyanobacteria, Oil – and Cyanofuel?

Abstract

Global warming, the global carbon cycle, and current and future global trading in carbon credits (the carbon market), are beginning to dictate radical changes in human behaviour. In this context, the cyanobacteria figure prominently. Why? First, vast populations of ancient cyanobacteria and other microalgae are credited with the formation of Earth’s oil deposits. Second, extant populations of cyanobacteria, most conspicuously marine picoplankton (Chaps. 5 and 13) contribute significantly to the fixation of atmospheric carbon through their photosynthesis. Third, spills from the commercial trafficking of oil often accumulate in coastal regions where cyanobacterial mats are prevalent (Chap. 4), and this led to the examination of how these microorganisms participate in mitigation of the effects of oil pollution. Fourth, cyanobacteria may be a viable source of biofuel. As such, the rise of cyanobacteria, cyanobacteria and oil pollution, and cyanobacteria as a source of biofuel (cyanofuel) can be equated, respectfully, with Earth’s past, present and future. In this chapter we emphasize connections between all three through consideration of cyanobacterial physiology, ecology and molecular biology. We wish to emphasize the persistence of cyanobacteria through geological time and their tenacious hold on carbon.