Researchers led by NYU Tandon's Elizabeth Hénaff analyzed the Gowanus Canal's contaminated sediment and discovered microorganisms with advanced pollution-fighting capabilities. They identified 455 species with 64 biochemical pathways for degrading pollutants and 1,171 heavy metal-processing genes. This suggests a method for cleaning waterways that is cheaper and less disruptive than dredging. Additionally, the discovery of 2,300 novel genetic sequences opens up prospects for valuable biochemical production. Hénaff's team also created CHANNEL, an immersive art installation to communicate these findings, emphasizing the need for further research on cooperation with these microbes.
We found what amounts to nature's own toxic cleanup manual, but with a crucial warning. These microbes have stories to tell that go beyond scientific data.
The potential is there for a cheaper, more sustainable, and less disruptive method for cleaning contaminated waterways than the current oft-used dredging operations.
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