Researchers from the Weitzman Institute have discovered that when diatomite is combined with Iron and vitamin B12 the chemical reaction produced can neutralize the chemical bond between carbon and chlorine or bromide. These are components of subterranean water polluted by pesticides or other toxic waste. After this reaction, bacteria or other natural means can make the water drinkable again.

The diatomite is a fine powder comprised of the fossilized skeletons of tiny creatures called diatoms that have glass-like shell made of silica. The microscopic holes in the diatomite grains function as a good filter for a wide range of liquids, from swimming pool water to beer.