Scientists say tiny algae eat pollutants

Chinese scientists have discovered a new strain of microalgae - microscopic, single-cell photosynthetic organisms that produce oxygen - capable of absorbing 90 percent of the greenhouse gas and industrial fumes that are components of smog, while producing high-quality algae oil for a wide range of products.

Wang Qiang, the lead scientist behind the project at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Hydrobiology, said the microalgae have recently entered a test phase for cleaning emissions produced by the refineries of Sinopec, China's largest oil and gas company.

"Our microalgae's highest consumption efficiency for nitrogen oxides - a key ingredient for smog - can reach around 96 percent," he said. "This new microalgae can greatly reduce industrial emissions and curb air pollution in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way."