Scientists have unearthed a previously unknown species microbes the earth beneath us. Researchers at Michigan State University have been exploring an area just and above the Earth's surface called the Critical Zone. This zone is essential to providing the conditions that sustain life. The researchers called the microbes CSP1-3. The microorganisms could be a key part the process purifying our water. Microbiologist James Tiedje said that while layers of soil are responsible much of the filtration rainwater, CSP1-3 are also indispensable. He said: "CSP1-3 are the scavengers cleaning what got the surface layer soil." They have a job to do to purify our drinking water.
Dr Tiedje and his team focused the microbes living the deep soil, up to 200 metres our feet. He said the CSP1-3 microbes remove harmful contaminants and detritus the water supply. He now wants to cultivate CSP1-3 in his lab to find more about their properties. He believes they could be utilized to clean pollution in the soil. He said: "We don't know their capacities metabolizing tough pollutants and, if we could learn that, we can help solve one the Earth's most pressing problems." The scitechdaily.com website said: "Understanding this newly found group could boost conservation efforts and help address climate change."
