Ideas worth spreading

What we can learn from the microbes in oil fields

Geert van der Kraan • TED@DuPont

Microbial life is often a problem in oil fields, producing toxic chemicals and corroding steel pipes and tanks. Microbe detective Geert van der Kraan shares how we can transform this challenge into a solution by studying the clues these microbes leave behind. "There are things we can learn from the microorganisms that call oil fields their homes, making oil field operations just a little cleaner. Who knows what other secrets they may hold for us?" van der Kraan asks.

Microbial life is often a problem in oil fields, producing toxic chemicals and corroding steel pipes and tanks. Microbe detective Geert van der Kraan shares how we can transform this challenge into a solution by studying the clues these microbes leave behind. "There are things we can learn from the microorganisms that call oil fields their homes, making oil field operations just a little cleaner. Who knows what other secrets they may hold for us?" van der Kraan asks.

This talk was presented at a TED Institute event given in partnership with DuPont.

Read more about the TED Institute.

About the speaker

Geert van der Kraan

Microbe detective

Geert van der Kraan, a research scientist at DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business, focuses on the energy industry. He is responsible for the development of next-generation control strategies and biocide formulation testing, holding specific use in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, he is in charge of expanding in-house expertise of molecular biology techniques and capabilities for bio-monitoring purposes at industrial sites and in oil/gas reservoirs. He graduated with an MSc in Life Science & Technology from the Delft University of Technology and the Leiden University in 2006.

About TED Institute

Every year, TED works with a group of select companies and foundations to identify internal ideators, inventors, connectors, and creators. Drawing on the same rigorous regimen that has prepared speakers for the TED main stage, TED Institute works closely with each partner, overseeing curation and providing intensive one-on-one talk development to sharpen and fine tune ideas. The culmination is an event produced, recorded, and hosted by TED, generating a growing library of valuable TED Talks that can spur innovation and transform organizations.

Read more about the TED Institute

This talk was presented at a TED Institute event given in partnership with DuPont.

Read more about the TED Institute.