BECKLEY, W.Va. – Biology students at WVU Tech in Beckley are teaming up with the Beckley Sanitary Board to research rock like masses found in the local sewer system.
The rock like masses found in Beckley’s sewer system are made up of grease, oil and other materials like wet wipes. Together they make what’s called a “fatberg”.
These masses can create lots of problems for local sewage systems.
“When all of that combines it causes a big issue. It can cause a clog in a line. It can break pumps, these big expensive sewer pumps and that can cause major issues for all of the customers, all of the sewer users in that area,” said Luke Stevens, environmental manager for the Beckley Sanitary Board.
Stevens says the sanitary board has given some of the fatbergs found in the city’s system to research students at WVU Tech. The students are studying the masses to determine what makes them form and how they can be degraded.
As part of their research they’re also finding out that the masses hold properties that are resistant to antibiotics used to fight infections in people.
“Once they exist they can move through the city via the sewage and if there’s overflow these things can reach other environments and these genes can be passed on. That ultimately makes it harder for us humans to fight infections,” said Dr. Aida Jimenez, associate professor of biology at WVU Tech.
Two students researching the fatbergs under Dr. Jimenez’s guidance say they have aspirations of working in environmental protection and the operating room. They say this experience has been priceless.
“I’m just really grateful that Dr. Jimenez keeps wanting us to come back for more. Especially since it’s such a small school. I’m really grateful for the quality of this opportunity,” said Nevaeh Wooding.
“It really helps to gain experience for our futures,” said Marianna Oyola.
The research project is ongoing and the students are hoping to learn more about the fatbergs as the results come in.
Stevens say you should avoid flushing wipes that are not biodegradable and you should not dump grease down kitchen sinks. You should throw non-biodegradable wipes and kitchen grease away once it cools and solidifies.
Copyright 2024 WVVA. All rights reserved.