Scientists have made an incredible discovery. The blue mussel Mytilus edulis, a common sea creature, has been found to be able to ingest microplastics and other pollutants with normal food and then expel it with its feces.
Researchers have already determined that such organisms can filter microplastics in laboratory conditions, but as part of a recent scientific study, they decided to test how effective it really is in a real environment.
They conducted an experiment near a marina where there was a lot of pollution from boats and sewage. The results of the experiments were impressive: dense mussel excrement, including the microplastics contained in them, quickly sank into the sea water.
This greatly facilitated the collection of pollutants versus particles floating in the water.
The new discovery could be important in the fight against pollution of marine ecosystems by microplastics and other harmful substances. Experts could start using blue mussels as filters to remove dangerous pollutants from seawater.
Source: Port Altele
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