Evolution In Action: Heavy Metal-Eating "Superworms"

Industrial Cleanup via Earthworm - Heavy metal eating Earthworms have been unearthed in the UK.
United States
October 8, 2008 3:57pm CST
Heavy metal eating Earthworms have been unearthed in the UK. These 'superworms' can eat lead and other heavy metals with out harm, and excrete the material in a form that plants are able to take in. * The metals remain toxic, but the worms are able to create a protein that allows the stuff to pass harmlessly through the gut. The plants are, according to the lab, able to take in the material. As they decompose, the worms eat again. Over a many decades period, it is said that the landscape would be clean again. * This is a new species. * http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/10/081007-super-worms_2.html
2 people like this
2 responses
Idlewild
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
8 Oct 08
Interesting... there are also bacteria that can be used to clean up oil spills (they eat the petroleum) and to clean up toxic waste. Nature often seems to be smarter than humans.
1 person likes this
CraftyCorner
@CraftyCorner (5600)
• United States
8 Oct 08
There are also microbes that clean up dirty/poluted water.
Sheepie
@Sheepie (3112)
• United States
8 Oct 08
Wow! That is the most amazing thing I have heard in a long time! I'm kind of happy knowing that, but also a little concerned. Hopefully they won't do any damage to existing building right now, like termites!
1 person likes this
CraftyCorner
@CraftyCorner (5600)
• United States
8 Oct 08
That's too true. However, I can't imagine too many people building houses underground.