Chicken kidney sponge studied for cleaning polluted ports

Ports rank among the most disturbed marine environments, with pollutants such as trash, oil and antifouling paint toxins accumulating in enclosed harbors. Invasive species introduced via ballast water can outcompete native fauna, while ship propellers, sonar systems and dredging operations generate noise that interferes with marine animal communication. These combined stressors have prompted calls for effective remediation strategies to restore ecological balance in port waters.

Renaturalization is emerging as a promising approach, involving the deliberate introduction of hardy pioneer species capable of tolerating polluted, noisy conditions. By establishing a foundational biological community, these organisms can stabilize sediments, absorb contaminants and create habitat that supports subsequent colonization by more sensitive species. Authorities and researchers view the method as a practical step toward reducing pollutant loads and mitigating the ecological impacts of intensive maritime activity in harbors.