Argentinean Scientists Investigate Pollution-Eating Organisms
2022-02-10
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1Scientists from Argentina are working to understand more about microorganisms found in Antarctica that may be able to help clean up pollutants like plastic and diesel fuel.
2The scientists believe the very small organisms eat pollution left behind by fuel and possibly plastic waste.
3The study results could be useful for wider environmental issues.
4The scientists are working to find out if the organisms -bacteria and fungi native to Antarctica - can also work in warmer climates.
5The scientists found that the microorganisms can digest the waste created by diesel fuel, which is a common source of heat and electricity at research bases in Antarctica.
6Scientists have a reason for wanting to reduce pollution in Antarctica.
7The continent is protected by a rule created in 1961 that says it can be used for research only if it is left in good condition.
8Dr. Lucas Ruberto is a biochemist working on the study.
9He said the organisms that live in the Antarctic soil can eat and break apart hydrocarbon pollution.
10Ruberto and other scientists went to the Carlini research base in December.
11The team carried out tasks related to bioremediation - or returning something back to its natural state.
12They cleaned soil affected by diesel fuel by using native microorganisms and plants.
13The scientists found that the process, which can be used during Antarctica's warm season, removed 60 to 80 percent of pollutants in soil.
14Ruberto said the team helped the microbes by adding nitrogen, humidity and air flow to improve soil conditions.
15"Basically with that we get the microorganisms to biologically reduce, with a very low environmental impact, the level of contaminants," Ruberto told Reuters reporters.
16A contaminant is something that makes a substance no longer suitable for use.
17The scientists are now trying to research how the microbes could help clean up plastic waste in other places.
18Both fuels and plastics are polymers - molecules made up of mainly carbon and hydrogen.
19The researchers are looking into whether the microorganisms native to Antarctica can eat plastic waste.
20They are collecting pieces of plastic from Antarctic waters and looking to see if the microbes are "degrading" - or breaking down -- the plastic.
21Nathalie Bernard is an expert in plastic biodegradation.
22She said, "If we find that it is indeed degrading plastic, the next step would be to understand how it does that."
23The long-term goal, she added, is to create a process in which microorganisms can help clean up plastic and fuel pollution in other parts of the world.
24I'm Dan Friedell.
1Scientists from Argentina are working to understand more about microorganisms found in Antarctica that may be able to help clean up pollutants like plastic and diesel fuel. 2The scientists believe the very small organisms eat pollution left behind by fuel and possibly plastic waste. The study results could be useful for wider environmental issues. 3The scientists are working to find out if the organisms -bacteria and fungi native to Antarctica - can also work in warmer climates. 4The scientists found that the microorganisms can digest the waste created by diesel fuel, which is a common source of heat and electricity at research bases in Antarctica. 5Scientists have a reason for wanting to reduce pollution in Antarctica. The continent is protected by a rule created in 1961 that says it can be used for research only if it is left in good condition. 6Dr. Lucas Ruberto is a biochemist working on the study. He said the organisms that live in the Antarctic soil can eat and break apart hydrocarbon pollution. 7Ruberto and other scientists went to the Carlini research base in December. The team carried out tasks related to bioremediation - or returning something back to its natural state. They cleaned soil affected by diesel fuel by using native microorganisms and plants. 8The scientists found that the process, which can be used during Antarctica's warm season, removed 60 to 80 percent of pollutants in soil. Ruberto said the team helped the microbes by adding nitrogen, humidity and air flow to improve soil conditions. 9"Basically with that we get the microorganisms to biologically reduce, with a very low environmental impact, the level of contaminants," Ruberto told Reuters reporters. A contaminant is something that makes a substance no longer suitable for use. 10The scientists are now trying to research how the microbes could help clean up plastic waste in other places. Both fuels and plastics are polymers - molecules made up of mainly carbon and hydrogen. 11The researchers are looking into whether the microorganisms native to Antarctica can eat plastic waste. They are collecting pieces of plastic from Antarctic waters and looking to see if the microbes are "degrading" - or breaking down -- the plastic. 12Nathalie Bernard is an expert in plastic biodegradation. She said, "If we find that it is indeed degrading plastic, the next step would be to understand how it does that." 13The long-term goal, she added, is to create a process in which microorganisms can help clean up plastic and fuel pollution in other parts of the world. 14I'm Dan Friedell. 15Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by Reuters. 16Will the organisms be used in other parts of the world? Write to us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page. 17Words in This Story 18diesel - n. a type of fuel used in engines 19humidity - n. a measure of moisture in the air 20impact - n. an influence or effect on something