Brazil uses microorganisms to clean up aquifers

Living microorganisms are being used to decontaminate lagoons and wetlands in Maricá in Brazil.

 The technique, already in use in Japan, was adapted by the Fluminense Federal University. Researchers add live microorganisms that will "organise" the local flora microorganisms to fight against the organic waste in the waters. Microorganisms in both liquid and solid forms are added to the rivers - the liquid acts on the water and the solid sinks to the bottom, acting on the sludge.

The microorganisms clean the rivers and are transported to local lagoons, where they continue the cleaning process. Soon, rivers will act as a treating station. The technique was licensed by the Ministry of Agriculture, IBAMA (Brazils Environmental Regulator) and ANVISA (National Sanitary Regulator), certifying it does not harm the environment.