Microbes eat plastic and are already capable of degrading 10 types – research

Scientists have studied microbial DNA samples taken from 236 locations on the planet. It turned out that 30 thousand enzymes are encoded in their genes that can decompose 10 types of plastic. And the more debris, the higher the concentration of such microorganisms.

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Scientists from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have found that the number of microbial enzymes that can degrade plastic is increasing, and this directly correlates with the growing level of pollution on the Earth. IFLS.

Areas that are most affected by plastic pollution have more microbes that eat up plastic in soil and seas.

“At the moment, we know little about these enzymes that decompose plastic. We did not expect to find such a large number of them in different microbes and in different habitats,” said lead author of the study Jan Zrimek.

The researchers came to this conclusion by analyzing genes found in DNA samples taken from 236 locations around the world. They looked for genes that code for enzymes that break down plastic.

In total, scientists have found 30,000 enzymes – 12,000 in the ocean microbiome and 18,000 in soil – capable of degrading 10 different types of plastics.

“Our study clearly demonstrates how the environment responds to human intervention,” the scientists noted.

About 8 million tons of plastic gets into the oceans every year, the publication says. Mass production of plastic began only in the second half of the 20th century, but this artificial material became widespread in the natural environment in just a few decades.

From the Antarctic ice to the depths of the Mariana Trench, there is practically no natural environment on Earth that is not affected by plastic pollution.

One of the main advantages of plastic is its elasticity. Its other advantage – durability – is at the same time its main disadvantage. Plastic remains in the environment for a long time. For example, a plastic straw can take up to 200 years to decompose.

Despite the magnitude of the problem, the researchers believe that their discovery can be used to discover new enzymes and use them in plastic recycling processes, which will bring humanity one step closer to solving a global problem.

“The next step will be to test the most promising enzymes in the laboratory in order to better study their properties and evaluate the rate of degradation of plastic that they can cause. After that, we could create ecosystems of microorganisms aimed at destroying certain types of polymers,” explained Alexey Zheleznyak, a scientific researcher Chalmers University staff member who participated in the study.

Let us remind you that December 10 a new law came into force in Ukraineprohibiting the distribution of plastic bags for free. Those businesses that violate the ban will be liable in the form of a fine.

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