Scientists discover pollutant-eating organisms in one of NYC’s most contaminated waterways
Researchers have uncovered a treasure trove of pollution-fighting microbes in Brooklyn’s heavily contaminated Gowanus Canal. A groundbreaking study funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) revealed over 450 microbial species with remarkable abilities to break down industrial waste—potentially offering cheaper, more efficient cleanup solutions for toxic sites worldwide.
Key Discoveries
- 60+ biochemical pathways identified for degrading petrochemicals and other pollutants
- 1,171 specialized genes that process heavy metals like mercury and lead
- Microbes thrive in extreme conditions with toxic compound concentrations lethal to most life
The research team—led by SUNY Downstate’s Sergios-Orestis Kolokotronis and NYU’s Elizabeth Henaff—collected soil and sediment samples along the 1.8-mile canal. Using genomic sequencing, they mapped the microorganisms’ genetic blueprints, revealing novel ways to neutralize contaminants naturally.
“This expands our toolkit of biological adaptations we can harness for society,” said NSF program director Joanna Shisler. The findings could revolutionize industrial cleanup, which currently costs over $645 billion globally.
Beyond the science, Henaff transformed the research into an immersive exhibition at Brooklyn’s BioBAT Art Space. The display—part of a water-focused community project—educates visitors about urban ecosystems and bioremediation possibilities.
Why It Matters
These “extremophile” microbes join a legacy of biological breakthroughs like PCR (DNA amplification) and CRISPR gene editing. Their pollution-digesting capabilities could lead to:
- Bio-based cleanup methods replacing expensive chemical processes
- Faster decontamination of industrial sites
- New enzymes for waste management biotechnology
The Gowanus Canal—a Superfund site saturated with century-old industrial waste—has unexpectedly become a beacon of hope for environmental recovery. Researchers will now explore how to scale these natural processes for real-world remediation.
Image Credit: Sergios-Orestis Kolokotronis
A research team takes a boat down Brooklyn’s Gowanus Canal to take samples. Using genomic sequencing and bioinformatics, the researchers identified more than 450 species with over 60 different biochemical pathways to deal with pollutants and 1,171 genes that can aid in processing heavy metals, offering potential for bio-based and cheaper methods of industrial clean-up.
