Iranian researchers have identified 45 oil-eating microscopic life forms that thrive in salt lakes and other high-salt environments in Iran.
Mohammad Ali Amouzegar, a faculty member at the University of Tehran, told Mehr News Agency that the study on microscopic life forms in high-saline environments in Iran has led to the discovery of 45 microorganisms known for their dietary preference for oil.
“These microbes have a high biotechnological ability and are significantly useful for removing pollutants related to oil, textiles and toxic metals in nature,” he said.
“They have also use in pharmaceutical and food industries.”
Amouzegar, who also helped implement the research project, noted that prior to the research conducted by the Iranian team, 12,000 oil-eating microorganisms had been identified worldwide.
“The 45 microbes discovered in Aran and Bidgol Salt Lake located in Iran’s central desert have now been registered in the global gene bank,” he said.
Iran is a leading player in the development of microorganism technology, especially in the oil sector, where it is constantly researching ways of cleaning up oil spills.
