Relevance: GS-III (Environment, Pollution Control)
Source: Bose Institute (Department of Science and Technology); Microbiology Spectrum

News

Scientists from the Bose Institute have found that freshwater sponges and the microbes living inside them can help reduce heavy-metal pollution in water bodies. The study was conducted in the Sundarban delta.

Key Concepts Explained  

Freshwater sponges are simple, stationary aquatic organisms that filter large volumes of water for food. While filtering, they absorb and store toxic metals such as arsenic, lead and cadmium, often at levels much higher than the surrounding water.

These sponges host sponge-associated microbes that live in a symbiotic relationship with them.
• These microbes carry genes for metal binding, resistance and detoxification.
• Together, the freshwater sponge–microbe system acts as a natural biofilter, reducing pollution stress.

Why It Matters

• Freshwater sponges can serve as bioindicators of metal pollution.
  • The sponge–microbe partnership offers a nature-based bioremediation method, especially relevant for polluted regions like the Gangetic plain.

Q. With reference to freshwater sponges, consider the following statements:

1. They filter water and accumulate heavy metals.
2. Microbes living within them help detoxify pollutants.
3. They increase metal concentration in surrounding water.

Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 3 only
B. 1 and 3 Only
C . 1 and 2 only
D. 2 and 3 only