Naturally-Occurring Microbes Can Break Down Plastics by 23% in Just 28 Days
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📰 The quick summary: Scientists have discovered naturally-occurring microbes that can break down common plastics by up to 23% in just 28 days, offering a promising biological solution to our global plastic waste crisis.
📈 One key stat: Two bacterial strains identified in unpolluted environments degraded polypropylene and polystyrene by nearly 23% and 19.5% respectively in just 28 days, representing some of the highest biodegradation rates ever recorded for these plastics.
💬 One key quote: “From unpolluted environments rich in natural polymers (a peat bog and domestic compost), we identified two bacterial strains, Gordonia and Arthrobacter, that degraded polypropylene and polystyrene by nearly 23% and 19.5%, respectively, in just 28 days.”
1️⃣ The big picture: Scientists are turning to nature for innovative solutions to tackle the overwhelming plastic waste problem. Certain bacteria and fungi produce specialized enzymes capable of breaking down plastic polymers, effectively using them as food sources. Recent research has identified microbes from both polluted and unpolluted environments that can degrade common plastics. These capabilities likely evolved to break down naturally occurring polymers that share structural similarities with synthetic plastics. With global plastic production exceeding 460 million tonnes annually and only 9% being recycled, microbial degradation offers a promising approach to address this growing environmental crisis.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Microbes provide a potentially sustainable solution to plastic pollution that works with nature rather than against it. The discovery that effective plastic-degrading bacteria exist even in unpolluted environments greatly expands the search area for helpful microorganisms. These natural processes could eventually be scaled up to handle large amounts of plastic waste that current recycling systems cannot process. Microbial degradation can break plastics down into environmentally benign building blocks rather than just fragmenting them into harmful microplastics. Combined with policy initiatives like the UN’s global plastics treaty, these biological approaches offer realistic hope for addressing one of our most persistent pollution challenges.
3️⃣ What’s next: Researchers must continue working to enhance the biodegradation capabilities of these microorganisms to make them viable for large-scale waste management. Advances in microbial engineering, enzyme discovery, and environmental microbiology will help create more efficient plastic biodegradation systems. With sustained research and investment, microbial solutions can become a practical component of a comprehensive strategy to combat plastic pollution.
Read the full story here: The Conversation – How microbes could help solve the world’s plastic pollution crisis
