Freshwater mussels are among the most powerful natural filters in our watersheds. Believe it or not, a single freshwater mussel can pump and filter between 8 and 15 gallons of water a day, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These tiny ecological superheroes play a crucial role in improving water quality, and scientists believe they could be a vital part of creating cleaner waterways across the U.S.
A small team of scientists in Philadelphia who are studying freshwater mussels has discovered that these tiny creatures could be a key solution to major problems in US waterways, according to Philadelphia magazine.
Led by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), the city’s freshwater mussel hatchery is part of a pioneering effort to restore native mussel populations.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, each adult mussel can filter up to 10 gallons…more
Source www.theweather.com
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