Llama Dung Purifies Andes Water
Scientists are using cameloid droppings to purify Bolivian water, sounds like a load of...
Posted: 30 January 2002
by Jon
The water supply of La Paz in the Bolivian Andes is, apparently,
being filtered through llama droppings.
The water is contaminated with iron and cadmium from an abandoned
mine and filters made from the cameloid crap provide the ideal
environment for bacteria, which help to remove the contaminants.
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'Sounds like a load of crap to me...'
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The technique was developed in Newcastle, where similar compost
filters are used to remove contaminants from water supplies near to
abandoned mines, but adapted to the high altitude conditions of the
Andes where llamas are the most munificent source of manure.
How does it work? Gawd knows, there's an explanation here
on Ananova for boffin types, but the end result is that the
sulphate-reducing bacteria successfully help to purify the water and
reduce its acidity.
Here on OUTDOORSmagic, we would suggest the use of proprietary
water filters and purifiers for the cleansing of water in preference
to llama dung... We'd also suggest, with all due respect to llamas,
that you don't drink the tap water in La Paz whatever. Mine
contamination is the least of its problems.
Discuss this story
As opposed to living downstream on the Thames, where the water's been purified by approx. seven other people before getting to me! Now where did I put that spare llama dung?
Posted: 30/01/2002 at 17:55
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