Scientists have already discovered and, in some cases, genetically modified plastic-eating bacteria, but a new study finds that more of these naturally occurring recycling fungi can break down plastic than previously thought.
Joan Verschoor, a microbiologist and doctoral student at Leiden University in the Netherlands, found that about a fifth of the bacterial strains she tested were able to break down plastic.
The discovery provides further evidence that these tiny organisms could help win the battle against plastic pollution and create a cleaner planet for both humans and wildlife.
For this study, Verschuer said he used samples of Streptomyces bacteria stored at the university to help scientists test new antibiotics. news release I explained the research.
The bacteria weren’t originally harvested to study their plastic-eating ability, but Verschohl had a hunch through previous research that some of the bacteria might be able to break down plastic.
But her experiments with Streptomyces revealed that the organism needed certain conditions and a bit of prodding to effectively digest polyethylene terephthalate. plastic,this is PET bottlesfood packaging, cosmetics, and countless other products.
NOW WATCH: Local hero singlehandedly brings endangered butterfly back to life
“Bacteria are like people in that sense,” Verschuur says. release“Just like us, they don’t act automatically. They need encouragement. We only start running when a tiger is chasing us.”
Similarly, if the bacteria are in an environment where sugars, their main source of energy, are readily available, they don’t have to try as hard. But Verschuur found that by feeding the bacteria plastic directly, or simply placing it on a dish with the bacteria when they were “hungry,” about 18% of the strains broke down the plastic—a “staggering number.” release That was explained.
She also found that organisms with higher levels of the enzyme lipase A consumed plastic faster. Communication BiologyShe said this supports “a wider distribution of this ability in nature.”
Scientists are discovering many ways nature is helping rid the planet of plastic, from plastic-eating fungi in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to wax worms that can break down polyethylene in just a few hours.
Streptomyces may be another natural solution to the plastic crisis, proving that nature can always find a solution.
“This isn’t a surprise at all. We know from evolutionary biology that if there’s a potential food source, eventually something will evolve to take advantage of it. Plastic seems like a great candidate for a new niche in Earth’s ecosystems,” commented one Reddit user. To post Regarding the survey results.
participate Free Newsletter Weekly updates on the coolest innovations Improving Lives and Save the planet.
