How Russians handle oil spills on the sea

Murmansk Marine Biology Institute has developed a unique project to clean up the oil spill areas at sea, according to a press release on May 7 by the Institute.

It is known that the Institute's scientists take 3 years to determine this best natural filter. That is the Fucus algae , which are abundant in Arctic waters.

On 1 ha of sea surface, these organisms can remove up to 100kg of petroleum products in 15 days.

Fucus Vesiculosus algae (also called sea grapes).

This technology is much more advanced and flexible than the conventional way of collecting oil from the surface of the water, and it is also safer for the environment.

The first experiments were carried out at Murmansk seaport and in the White Sea oil depot.

Algae, enriched with a bacterial mixture that enhances biological reactions, will "eat" the oil spill without leaving a residue.

Scientists plan to continue developing technology and apply it in places where the environment is heavily polluted.

The project is developed at a cost of money from the budget, so technology is primarily owned by the state and is considered an open scheme for everyone to use for free.

Fucus along with other brown algae are often used in cosmetic departments, used to make skin care masks.

Fucus is also often used as an additive for food. This species of algae provides human body with vitamins, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, they contain Fucoidan, anti-virus, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory properties.

Fucus (sea oak, king seaweed, sea grape) is a genus of brown algae. Representatives of the genus of this species are found in the near-coast (littoral) and semi-near (sublittoral) regions of the world. Scientists rely on the presence of Fucus to determine the face of the rocky surface of the North Sea coast. Fucus is exploited and processed in Arkhangelsk White Sea Algae Plant.

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