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Bacteria could hold the key to rapidly mineralizing carbon dioxide (CO2) underground, according to new research, potentially aiding in more durable storage of greenhouse gases, New Scientist reported.

Researchers from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology isolated Geobacillus bacteria from a compost pile in Washington state. The microbe is known for withstanding the extreme temperatures and pressures found deep underground.

In lab experiments simulating underground conditions, the science team compared the rate at which CO2 mineralized when dissolved in water with and without the bacteria.

They found that without the microbes the process could “take forever.” But water with Geobacillus accelerated CO2 mineralization and formed mineral crystals, at temperatures of 176 degrees Fahrenheit and under high pressure, in just 10 days.

The team explained that this rapid process was possible because of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase produced by the bacteria.

While this enzyme is typically produced by surface-dwelling microbes, the latter struggle to survive in harsh underground environments.

“It’s a hard life at 5,000 feet below ground,” said co-author Bret Lingwall.

The researchers presented their findings at the American Geophysical Union’s annual conference in San Francisco in December.

They are now planning to test Bacillus bacteria from deep mine shafts, as well as genetically modified strains, to determine which microbes have the best performance.

However, challenges remain, including ensuring the microbes’ resilience, nutrient supply, and containment, especially if genetically modified.

“There are open questions around the resilience of these organisms, the food source of these organisms, their turnover rates and their ability to work in different alkaline environments,” noted Greeshma Gadikota from Cornell University, who was not involved in the study.