Microbes metabolizing toxic substances were found in the burning coal seams of Kuzbass

(Federal Research Centre«Fundamentals of Biotechnology» of the Russian Academy of Science) Underground coal seams engulfed in a fire are not a very pleasant place to live. Nevertheless, Russian scientists, while examining the quarries of the Kemerovo region, showed that microorganisms also live there. They are similar to those that inhabit hot springs and other harsh habitats and are capable of metabolizing carbon monoxide, hydrogen, nitrates, and other compounds that are often hazardous to humans.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news