What were you doing as a sophomore in high school? Most of us did a little school work, participated in some after school activities and tried to figure out just how long after our curfew we could stay out without getting in trouble. Sikandar Porter-Gill, a 10th-grade student in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is trying to solve the world's energy problems by turning sewage into energy.

The 15 year-old has been experimenting for two years trying to create a more efficient and cost-effective microbial fuel cell. Fuel cells harness the small electric charges that are produced when bacteria digest organic matter. Sewage supplies plentiful amounts of organic matter to feed this reaction. Scientists around the world have been working on similar research, although it is probably safe to say that Sikandar is the youngest of the batch.

Sikandar presented his experiment to officials at a local sewage treatment plant, and they were very duly impressed. With continued dedication from people like Sikandar, the world stands a much better chance of one day seeing its sewage and energy problems solved. Until then, we have lots of work to do!

Now on to the Spills O' the Week:

Rolling blackouts: At least seven sewage treatment plants in cities across Iowa reported bypassing sewage after storms caused power outages. In Fairfield, sewage was sent into Crow Creek, while Wapsinonoc Creek received untreated sewage from a plant in West Liberty.

-Des Moines Register, February 26, 2007

Whitewater turned brown: Wet weather caused sewage from the combined sewer system in Richmond, Indiana to spill into the east fork of the Whitewater River. The city quickly issued a sewer overflow alert warning residents to avoid contact with the river.

-Palladium-Item, February 26, 2007

Keep it closed: A valve that was accidentally left open at a wastewater treatment plant in Cleveland, Wisconsin allowed 40,000 gallons of biosolids to spill. An unknown portion reached Fischer Creek, a tributary of Lake Michigan. Biosolids, which are used as fertilizer, have been through treatment but contain high nutrient levels.

-Green Bay Press Gazette, February 28, 2007

Oh, Blackwater: The Santa Rosa County health department cautioned people to avoid swimming in Blackwater Bay or eating raw shellfish from its waters after an unknown quantity of sewage leaked into Pond Creek, a tributary of the bay.

-Pensacola News Journal, February 28, 2007