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.
In 1698, English engineer, Thomas Savery patented the first crude steam engine. Savery used his invention to pump water out of a coal mine. In 1712, English engineer and blacksmith, Thomas Newcomen invented the atmospheric steam engine. The purpose of Newcomen's steam engine was also to remove water from mines. In 1765, Scottish engineer, James Watt began studying Thomas Newcomen's steam engine and invented an improved version. It was Watt's engine that was the first to have a rotary motion. James Watt's design was the one that succeeded and the use of steam engines became widespread.