You remember The seagull and the cat, the animated film directed by Enzo D'Alò based on the novel by Luis Sepulveda? In one of the opening scenes, a small boat crashes into an oil tanker, causing the crude oil to spill into the sea. A real environmental disaster that will lead to the death of the mother of Fortunata, the little seagull. A scenario imagined by the author, but very common in our seas. However, thanks to the Italian researchers, probably none of this will happen again. Like? With a powder that can eat the Petroleum.
Magic dust eats oil: Minerv Biorecovery
On the occasion of World Environment Day it has been presented Minerva Biorecovery, that is a micro-powder capable of eliminating oil. An all-Italian project carried out by the Bolognese Bio-On and by 'Institute for the marine and coastal environment of Messina. But what is it and how does it work? Inside this powder there are some microorganisms that seem to be greedy for black gold. Simple bacteria that they initially feed on bioplastic Phas, to then attack the oil. A process that takes place within five days of their release and ends in about twenty. Obviously all without polluting. These bacteria are in fact already present in nature and the Phas bioplastic (the "feed" of these bacteria) is totally biodegradable. This projects Minerv Biorecovery among the best solutions in the sector. The other remedies, despite their effectiveness, are not entirely non-polluting and often cause more harm than anything else.
Polluted seas
Large-scale tests will be carried out in the coming months to test the effectiveness of this powder. Its use will not only concern large environmental disasters, but also the cleaning of ports e shipyards. Close to these places, in fact, the marine environment is often brought to its knees due to the spills into the sea of pollutants. Refineries and tanks are among the worst enemies for the health of the oceans, and often the problem is not even considered. It is hoped, with the help of these special bacteria, to make the waters near the large ports cleaner. Not just from oil, but from plastics in general. Research is focusing on making this powder effective against all pollutants. With only one goal: to stem and eliminate this phenomenon that is putting a strain on Mother Nature.
