Newly found microbe could revolutionize water purification
A new type of microorganism has been discovered that may prove crucial in the process of water purification on Earth. These microorganisms reside within 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 humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. It is precisely in this zone that most processes sustaining life on Earth occur. This thin layer at the planet's surface extends 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 found that this unique type of microbe could be pivotal 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 study this critical zone, and a breakthrough discovery was made thanks to soil samples from China and Iowa. The analysis revealed that CSP1-3, depending on the location, can account for over 50% of the soil population.
These extraordinary organisms feed on nitrogen and carbon from the upper layers of soil. During this process, the bacteria purify the flowing liquid while simultaneously conducting water filtration. Their function is to cleanse 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 facing our planet, such as the processing of hard-to-remove pollutants.
