A bacterium that enjoys eating urban waste is the latest hero discovered in the fight against pollution. This bacterium was found in the US in an area where factories producing certain chemicals known to cause cancer were located.
When scientists examined the soil, they were surprised to find that it contained no toxic substances.
Subsequent research revealed that a specific bacterium is responsible for purifying the soil of these toxic substances. This bacterium will be used to purify industrial sites, polluted agricultural land, and waterways in Russia, Poland, and the Netherlands. Scientists will analyze the bacteria’s genome to learn how it survives by consuming highly toxic chemicals. This will allow the combination of the properties of this natural, inexpensive toxic waste fighter with man-made, artificial toxic waste combatants to create even more powerful substances.
