A study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona showed that fog is not just a collection of moisture, but a complete ecosystem. Air-purifying bacteria live and multiply within its droplets.
Researchers point out that, although less than 1% of the droplets contain bacteria, their total concentration is equivalent to that found in the oceans, as a small amount of fog water may contain nearly 10 million bacteria.
Methylbacteria, in particular, stand out. These microorganisms feed on simple carbon compounds, including formaldehyde, a harmful pollutant that contributes to smog formation and ozone depletion. Not only do these bacteria live within the smog, but they also break down some compounds into carbon dioxide, thus helping to reduce the concentration of certain pollutants.
To overcome the complexities of studying fog, such as the effect of wind and changing weather conditions, scientists studied what is known as "radiation fog," which forms in calm air as a result of the Earth's surface cooling at night.
This discovery reshapes scientists' understanding of the role of fog, as it turns out that it is not just a sterile medium, nor merely a carrier of microbes, but a vital environment that supports their activity and may contribute to purifying the air.
This is important in several areas:
First: Fog is sometimes used as a source of drinking water, which requires a review of the methods of collecting and purifying it to ensure its safety for health.
Second: Bacterial activity can affect chemical reactions in the atmosphere, including during the night when there is no solar radiation.
Third: These results may contribute to modifying climate models, as the proliferation of microorganisms inside droplets may change the understanding of atmospheric processes and their interactions.
