Polluted Mud

Polluted Mud is an in-game element that appears as both a block and as debris when dug up. In block form it is subject to gravity and will fall through open tiles much like snow or Mud. It interacts with the atmosphere by producing Polluted Oxygen under certain conditions and can be processed in player buildings for resource recovery.

When handled as debris after being dug up, Polluted Mud emits Polluted Oxygen and loses mass over time. Multiple sources report that this volatile mass loss occurs even when the debris is stored inside a Storage Bin. Emission and mass loss can be prevented by keeping the material submerged under a liquid or by maintaining a surrounding gas pressure of at least 1.8 kg/tile. One source differs, stating that the block form emits Polluted Oxygen and loses mass while the dug-up debris does not; because accounts in the sources conflict, the practical result is to treat exposed Polluted Mud debris as capable of emitting Polluted Oxygen unless it is intentionally stored under sufficient liquid or pressure.

Polluted Mud can be processed in a Sludge Press to recover useful materials. At the stated conversion rate, 150 kg Polluted Mud yields 60 kg Polluted Dirt and 90 kg Polluted Water. This conversion makes Polluted Mud valuable in scenarios where natural Dirt is scarce; for example, in the Spaced Out DLC early spawns, Polluted Mud provides an accessible source of Polluted Dirt for soil-requiring tasks.

Practical notes and interactions:

• Block form falls under gravity like snow or Mud, so it will drop through gaps and can accumulate below holes or chutes.
• Dug-up Polluted Mud emits Polluted Oxygen and gradually loses mass unless protected; store it submerged in liquid or maintain ≥ 1.8 kg/tile gas pressure to stop volatilization.
• Storing Polluted Mud inside a Storage Bin does not reliably prevent emission or mass loss according to most sources; use liquid submersion or pressurized gas instead.
• Use a Sludge Press to convert Polluted Mud into Polluted Dirt and Polluted Water at 150:60+90 kg ratio for resource recovery and to supply early-game dirt needs.
• Treat surface deposits as both a contamination risk (Polluted Oxygen) and a resource opportunity; plan storage and processing accordingly.