Some Interesting Facts About Mud

[citrakayah]

This week's Science is a special issue literally titled "A World of Mud." It is full of news reports about mud and I find this immensely entertaining. Unfortunately I can't just link the stories.

There was a story about the bacteria (in mud) that make these structures, which I found interesting because they are very long for what are cables of single cells. They are also conductive--I don't think this will be of that much use technologically, but it may be useful and is certainly curious--and ensure the health of marine ecosystems by limiting phosphorus.

There was also an article on this project. Reading about it has reshaped the way I think about streams. It's cool to see how the wetland has started to regenerate, and to think of the degree to which it could reduce eutrophication.

They also had some articles on how mine tailing dams break and release toxic mud everywhere, and about how the red mud from mining aluminum is dangerous, but I figure most people reading this know that.

Comments

Hmm ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>>There was a story about the bacteria (in mud) that make these structures, which I found interesting because they are very long for what are cables of single cells. They are also conductive--I don't think this will be of that much use technologically, but it may be useful and is certainly curious--and ensure the health of marine ecosystems by limiting phosphorus.<<

I wonder if that's part of what makes mud sticky, especially mud that is often or always mud (e.g. swamps, riverbeds) rather than only sometimes mud (ordinary ground). If so, that could make a biodegradable adhesive. Also many long things are useful, like fibers. Possibly we could get something spinnable out of this.

Re: Hmm ...

[citrakayah]

I think it's more likely the clay content.