Water pollution is not a niche concern of scientists but is instead a concern for all people, regardless of proximity to water.

Endangered mussel surveys are a necessary step in project planning because the distribution of mussels and species assemblage relative to a planned project is critical to completing the required environmental documentation while protecting native species.

Though few people pay any mind to the occasional “clam” shell spotted along a river bank or lake, these small but mighty creatures are deeply important to water systems across the United States, and many of them are federally and state endangered. Greg Zimmerman of EnviroScience, Inc. shares, “We have about 300 species of mussels in the U.S., compared to other regions of the world like Europe that have under 20 species.”

Poás Volcano is similar to Mars in its chemical reactions and its harsh environment. Researchers are studying Poás to see what Martian life might be like.