Are you curious about how microbes are involved in creating a more sustainable world? Those tiny, often-overlooked organisms hold a remarkable secret — the power to break down chemicals through biodegradation. Imagine a world where plastics and other challenging compounds, often seen as environmental villains, could be transformed into environmentally-friendly products.
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes to discuss how these microbes are revolutionizing our approach to sustainability. He shares about his role as a microbiologist at Nouryon, investigating and understanding how microbes degrade chemicals in the environment. Ultimately, his research aims to help in developing more environmentally friendly products.
Tune in if you want to explore how we can work with microbes to leverage their transformative powers to pursue a greener, cleaner world.
Topics covered in this episode:
- What is biodegradation?
- The challenge of persistent chemicals
- How microbes adapt to biodegrade novel chemicals
- Biodegradation and environmental sustainability
Listen to my episode with Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes
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Links & Resources
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- Jhonatan recommends the book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson as a significant work in environmental science.
- Related:
- Podcast episode: Biodegradation researcher Mike Manefield
- Podcast episode: Sustainability using algae, an interview with Dr. Kyle Lauersen
- Article based on this episode: Biodegradation: Nature’s Recycling System
Connect with Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes
Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes is a scientist interested in microbiology and biotechnology, working on environmental microbiology at Nouryon.
The Lab Coat Project: Dr. Derek Miller
