Article: Mudball worries

Tuesday September 29, 2009

THE article on Effective Micro-organism mudballs (Mudball marvel?, StarTwo Sept 15) serves as an eye-opener regarding the alternative and potential of utilising microbes for environmental management. However, as a lecturer in microbiology, I would like to share some of my concerns.

Micro-organisms, whether beneficial, neutral or pathogenic, are still micro-organisms and any uncontrolled introduction into the environment will disrupt the existing micro-biota in the ecosystem. Hence, Effective Micro-organism (EM) mudballs application into the environment, polluted or not, raises concern of such a disturbance, which might have a long term effect.

Many micro-organisms, when stressed by changes in nutrient, pH or temperature, will turn into opportunistic pathogens or parasites to ensure their own survival. High inputs of EM might also impact the flora and fauna in the ecosystem.

Therefore, I strongly believe that EM mudballs application should be encouraged only after a thorough investigation on their impact to the environment. Let us not be eager to achieve observable results which might hamper us from doing what is right.

Members of the public throwing EM mudballs along Gurney Drive, Penang.

Personally, I would prefer wastewater to be treated at a treatment plant prior to release into the river or sea. By doing so, the application of micro-organisms is restricted within the treatment plant and is not mass-introduced into the natural ecosystem.

Also, what happens to the EM in the introduced site? Will they continue to proliferate and subsequently dominate the niche, eradicating indigenous microbial species? What happens if a surplus of these EM overflows into the marine ecosystem? Or, do the EM die at the end of their function and if so, what happens to the microbial cells? Perhaps the Department of Environment has collected sufficient data for implementing this EM mudballs practice.

Nevertheless, tread with caution as micro-organisms are highly mutating species. Bear in mind that each new generation of cells , (achievable in 24 to 48 hours) can result in a microbial boom which might lead to unforeseen problems rather than a solution.

Lastly, I notice that the pictures in the article show volunteers making and throwing EM mudballs without wearing gloves. Again, beneficial organisms such as EM do not mean they do not have any pathogenic potential. Not wearing gloves is like soiling your hands with microbes and this is not a good practice, especially if you have wounds or skin abrasions. Always wear gloves when dealing with micro-organisms.

Science is about innovation and creativity, as well as responsibility to ourselves, other beings and the environment.

Adeline Ting, PhD

Kuala Lumpur

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Lifestyle: Focus 29 September 2009