Scientist Larisa Yerofeevskaya Says Cave Lion Cub Bacteria Could Solve Oil Related Pollution

Larisa Yerofeevskaya, research fellow at the Institute of Oil and Gas Problems, says that bacterial found in frozen paleontological remains has unearthed hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms capable of decomposing oil components into water and carbon dioxide. This find gives the potential to develop bacteria compounds that could clean-up pollution caused by oil products and fats. "From cave lions, we identified a very large number of bacteria ... so far four strains...[are] hydrocarbon oxidizing. We identified bacteria in the mouth of one cub and in the anus of the second one ... ancient bacteria that existed ... least 12,000 years ago." The ancient cave lion cub bacteria literally appears to eat the oil. The woolly rhino carcass also hosted 'ammonifying organisms that break down the protein of plant and animal origin. "There is strong potential for use in fighting pollution," she said. "If we manage to create a consortium of organisms - ammonifying, cellulolytic bacteria, hydrocarbon oxidizing microorganisms, this can be used for the recycling of landfills." #womencavers #ewls #ScienceWomen

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siberiantimes.com