IGeobacter i Imetallireducens i bacteria, coloured transmission electron micrograph. This anaerobic bacteriaoxidises organic compounds to form carbon dioxide, using iron oxide or other metals as an electron acceptor. This ability could harnessed to decontaminate petroleum compounds, metals and radioactive substances. IGeobacter i can also generate electricity by oxidising organic waste and directly transferring electrons onto the surface of electrodes. The image shows IGeobacter i with two long flagella (emerging from right hand side) which enable the bacterium to swim in liquids. The bacterium is also coated with thinner filaments known as pili, which are electrically conductive. IGeobacter i was discovered in 1987 by Professor Derek Lovley.