Could this humble sea sponge clean up the world’s ports?
Researchers in Spain have discovered that the chicken liver sponge can survive in highly polluted harbor waters, suggesting it could be used as a natural filtration tool. The presence of these sponges has also been linked to increased local biodiversity, offering a potential solution for ecological restoration in industrial ports.
Why it matters
Using biological organisms for environmental remediation provides a sustainable and cost-effective method to combat marine pollution.
The survival of the chicken liver sponge in the harsh environment of a Spanish harbour suggests it could be used to help clean up pollution in ports. Photograph: Carlota Escarré The survival of the chicken liver sponge in the harsh environment of a Spanish harbour suggests it could be used to help clean up pollution in ports. Photograph: Carlota Escarré Seascape: the state of our oceans Marine life Could this humble sea sponge clean up the world’s ports? The chicken liver sponge has sailed through a test of its ability to filter pollutants in a harbour in Spain’s Costa Brava
About this content Sara Hashemi Tue 1 Sep 2026 04.00 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google In the polluted waters of Marina Palamós on Spain’s Costa Brava, Manuel Maldonado, a sponge biologist, noticed something unusual last month: red starfish had started settling in the area.
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