Researchers have found a way to convert fatbergs into perfume by feeding them to bacteria which have been genetically engineered to eat fats and produce nice-smelling chemicals (file photo).
In the future, bacteria like this could even be released into sewage plants to break down fatbergs and leave the sewers smelling better than ever.
Professor Stephen Wallace, lead researcher on the project, told MailOnline: 'Imagine these new bacteria living in the sewers breaking down fatbergs and turning them into sweet-smelling chemicals.'.
Fatbergs are vast blobs of wet wipes, used condoms, plastic bags, and sanitary products all held together by a congealed mass of fat and grease.
Thames Water spends around £18 million each year removing these blockages from the sewer system] Over time, these bacteria break down the fatberg into a valuable chemical used in the perfume industry.
