Extraordinary Marine Animals Trap Microplastics and Carbon Dioxide, Slowing Climate Change [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

By Staff ReporterJun 09, 2020 10:18 AM EDT

Scientists found that strange marine animals play a huge role in fighting pollution, trapping carbon dioxide, containing microplastics, and alleviating climate change.

In particular, researchers studied the so-called giant larvaceans which are found in seas worldwide. These are deep-sea creatures that release a giant mucus balloon roughly three feet in diameter. This balloon surrounds the tadpole-like and squishy animals. Scientists have discovered their essential role in removing atmospheric carbon dioxide that exacerbates and quickens climate change. The study was performed at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and was published in Nature.

In the study, the researchers produced 3-D imaging on the larvaceans and the mucus filters with the use of a new laser system. These animals are not really giants in the literal sense since they only have a length of less than a centimeter to almost 10 centimeters. However, with their small bodies, they can remove incredibly large amounts of food from their surroundings. These food items are rich in carbon.

By scanning them with the laser, the scientists were able to see how they utilized mucus to trap microplastics and carbon. The lasers were installed on a robot weighing 12,000 pounds. The structure of the mucus was then reconstructed as a 3-D model.

More:
https://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/43895/20200609/extraordinary-marine-animals-major-help-trapping-microplastics-carbon-dioxide-alleviating.htm