Breakthrough Discovery: German Scientists Uncover Fungi That Eat Plastic, Offering Hope in the Fight Against Ocean Pollution

Scientists in Germany have discovered fungi that feed on plastic, which could be a glimmer of hope in tackling the problem of millions of tonnes of rubbish polluting the world’s oceans. – world every year.

But scientists warn that their work may only be a small part of the solution to the problem of plastic pollution, and say that food packaging and other waste must still be limited to the environment, as it can it will take decades to decompose.

The head of the team of scientists said that a study carried out in Lake Schechelin in north-eastern Germany showed the extent to which microfungi grew and thrived when they lived on some plastics without another source of carbon to feed them, clearly showing that some of them were able to break down synthetic polymers.

“The most surprising result of our work… is that our fungi can grow on only some synthetic polymers, and even create organic mass,” said Hans-Peter Grossart, head of the research group at the Leibniz Institute for Eco- Freshwater and Inland Fisheries experience, to Reuters TV.

Grossart believes that these microbial destroyers of plastic could be used in wastewater treatment plants or other facilities that have the situation under control. But fungi are unlikely to be the solution to stopping the world’s massive amount of waste.

“We should definitely try to pump as little plastic into the environment as possible,” Grossart told Reuters.

Out of the 18 types of fungus selected, four were found to be particularly ‘voracious’, meaning they could effectively eat plastic, particularly polyurethane used for make construction foam.

The polyethylene used to make plastic bags and packaging materials is much slower to decompose, and microplastics from vehicle tire wear are the most problematic, largely due to additives to such as heavy metals.

Grossart said he believes the fungi’s ability to eat plastic is one way to absorb the amount of plastic carbon in the environment.

Data from the European Plastics Producers Association (Plastics Europe) showed that around 390 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2021, up from 1.7 million tonnes in 1950. Although The recycling rate has increased in recent years, but less than 10 percent of plastic waste is recycled worldwide.