Newly discovered microorganisms could reshape water purification
A new type of microorganism has been discovered that may be crucial in the process of water purification on Earth. These microorganisms are hidden within the Earth's critical life zone and, depending on the location, can constitute up to 50% of the living biomass in soil.
The Earth's critical zone is home to people, animals, plants, and microorganisms, and it's precisely where most processes that sustain life on Earth occur. It is a thin layer at the planet's surface, extending from the tops of plants to the lowest layers of groundwater.
The newly discovered species, CSP1-3, is just a small part of our planet's diverse ecosystem; however, it might prove extremely significant. As reported by Popular Mechanics, during the examination of samples, scientists discovered that this unique type of microbe could be key for water purification. Research published in "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" indicates that CSP1-3 may play a vital role in supporting life on our planet.
Where were the new microorganisms discovered?
Scientists continually research this critical zone, and thanks to soil samples from China and Iowa, a breakthrough discovery was made. The analysis revealed that CSP1-3, depending on the location, can make up over 50% of the soil population.
These extraordinary organisms feed on nitrogen and carbon, which come from the upper layers of soil. During this process, the bacteria purify the flowing liquid while simultaneously conducting water filtration. Their function is to clean the material that seeps into the deeper layers of the Earth.
Scientists hope that continued research on these microorganisms will help solve some of the most significant problems our planet faces, such as the processing of hard-to-remove pollutants.
