Using microbes to clean the environment

Algae used in the filtering process

March 26, 1998
Web posted at: 3:24 a.m. EST (0824 GMT)

From Correspondent Alesia Stanford

ATLANTA (CNN) -- An Atlanta-based company has developed an algae-based system that uses microbes to remove toxic metals and organic chemicals from industrial waste water.

Microbial Aquatic Treatment Systems Inc. has developed an experimental, three-tiered filtering machine that will be used by a nuclear power plant to filter radioactive metals from water that would be released into a river.

See how the filtering process works
	2.6MB/30 sec./320x240 1.1MB/30 sec./160x120 QuickTime movie

The firm's Judith Bender describes the machine's filtering process.

"The water goes through one lane, turns the corner and goes through the adjacent lanes. When it gets to the end of this unit, it goes down to the next unit, filters in the same way and down to the third unit," she said.

It's part of a growing trend to use microbes as effective environmental cleaners, and it's hoped this will turn out to be a more cost-effective, efficient way to deal with dangerous waste. Microbes are also used to clean auto parts in garages, auto parts stores and automobile factories across the nation.

The filtering machine

The Atlanta company's filtering machine is filled with dozens of specially prepared, algae-covered boards, which trap the metals. It can also "eat" organic products.

To prepare the boards, the blue-green algae is blended with a control element that attracts a specific metal.

Pointing to one particular board, Bender said, "This will take out zinc, cobalt and manganese, probably cadmium and other metals as well."

Researchers chose to work with blue-green algae because it's self-sustaining, makes its own protein and carbohydrates and adapts to changes in its environment. the tiny microbes are usually found in estuaries, locations which serve as natural filters, where fresh and salt water come together.

---

 

---

Sound off on our message boards & chat

© 1998 Cable News Network, Inc.
A Time Warner Company
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.