Rio turns discarded salon hair into barriers that protect mangroves from oil

Discarded human hair is now preventing oil pollution in Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay. Each gram of hair absorbs approximately five grams of oil, repelling water effectively. These hair barriers, made from salon waste, can remain in the water for four months. The initiative protects vulnerable mangrove ecosystems from chronic and everyday oil leaks. This innovative project aims to aid the recovery of the bay’s marine life.