Of the bacterial isolates found in the Arctic that are able to degrade PCBs, none used compounds such as 2-chlorobiphenyl, 3-chlorobiphenyl, camphor, citronellol, cymene, dehydroabietic acid, limonene, methanol, n-hexadecane, pentachlorophenol, phenol, or pinene as primary growth substrates (Master and Mohn 1998).
In the 20th century, demand for electricity led to the consideration of geothermal power as a generating source. Prince Piero Ginori Conti tested the first geothermal power generator on 4 July 1904, at the same Larderello dry steam field where geothermal acid extraction began. It successfully lit four light bulbs. Later, in 1911, the world's first commercial geothermal power plant was built there.
Geothermal Energy. Geothermal energy is extracted from inside the Earth to heat homes or spin turbines to make electricity. The world's first geothermal electric plant, in Italy, is more than 100 years old; and Iceland gets about 30% of its electricity from geothermal.But, because of limited surface access to geothermal sites, until quite recently, geothermal was not thought to be a viable alternative to carbon-based fuels.he world's first geothermal electric plant, in Italy, is more than 100 years old; and Iceland gets about 30% of its electricity from geothermal.