The University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Sciences lab has created a sponge that absorbs mercury from a water source that has been polluted. The mercury can be removed from tap, industrial wastewater, and lake water. The sponge absorbs it in less than five seconds and around five minutes for industrial water.
Mercury is a large problem in the state of Minnesota with more than two thirds of the state's water impaired due to mercury contamination. This leads to contaminated fish inedible to humans and exposures to those who come in contact with the water. In the North Shore of Minnesota, 10% of newborns tested, had concentrations of mercury above the EPA reference dose. Fortunately, if there are cuts in mercury emissions, it is estimated by the US-EPA that there will be 130,000 fewer asthma attacks, 4,700 fewer heart attacks, and 11,000 fewer premature deaths each year. This song will hopefully lead to new regulations and safer waters for those who rely on them to live. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170322110944.htm
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April 2017
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