However, that will happen only if sodium, the other component of salt, is present or is put into mix with the microbes. If the bacteria are directly fed chlorite, however, they will give off the oxygen produced and release it without consuming it. This is how these microbes could be used as a new source of oxygen production. Well, in some cases, the microbes are breaking down these toxic wastes without any help from us. But the reason it's not happening at a faster pace all over is that the right carbon sources are often lacking, Achenbach and Coates explain.
Carbon sources are like food for the bacteria.
By adding cheap carbon sources, such as acetate, the researchers were able to kick the bacteria's natural toxic waste degrading abilities into high gear. Well, Achenbach and Coates admit, we just don't know yet.