Scientist Hoping Clams Can Reduce Contamination

A scientist at Southeastern Louisiana University is conducting a study to see if Rangia clams can reduce oil in contaminated bodies of water. Dr Phillip Voegel says clams absorb pollutants into their flesh as they eat. Dr. Voegel says they are collecting clams from Lake Ponchatrain and taking them back to the lab for testing. He says the clams will be placed in a large aquarium and a pollutant will be added to the water. Dr. Voegel says they do know for a fact that the clams absorb oil, but the question is how much. (They hope to complete the study by December.)