To cleanse the environment of excess scrap metal A group of Chilean scientists led by biotechnologist Nadac Reales discovered an interesting property of the bacteria Leptospirillum from the extremophile group. These bacteria live in extreme conditions and feed on metal during hunger. “Scientists have taught bacteria to quickly eat metals” Scientists have taught bacteria to quickly eat metals The point of research is to help quickly get rid of the excess scrap metal that has accumulated in the Atacama Desert in recent years – discarded containers for transporting rock are thrown there.
During the research, scientists have discovered interesting properties in bacteria Leptospirillum, living in an acidic environment in the Tatio geysers at an altitude of 4200 meters. Usually bacteria destroy the metal in 2 months, but if they are deprived of the opportunity to eat something, they begin to starve. And if at this moment they are given a metal, for example, a nail, then Leptospirillum can destroy it in three days.
With the help of this discovery, scientists plan to combat excess scrap metal and dangerous pollution environment. It is noted that waste from mines carries huge amounts of toxins.