Using Nature's Best Filters

Oysters are known as a steamy treat for a romantic dinner, but they may be used in other ways: to remove pollutants from bays, lakes, and rivers. Scientists are looking to sponges, mussels, and oysters to purify tainted freshwater, according to Plenty Magazine. The animals feed by pulling out the nutrients they need from the water that passes over them. In the process, the animals filter out pollutants and pump out cleaner water.

A single sponge can filter hundreds of gallons of water per day, and an oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day. They're not being used in the U.S. yet, though that may change with a gathering of scientists next June to discuss the future of shellfish aquaculture. But first they'll have to clear up a few concerns: whether shellfish used to help clean a bay should be sold for human consumption, and even whether the creatures will be able to survive in extremely polluted waterways.

(Photo by MC Barnhart)