A New Bacterium Could Break Down PET Plastic to Eliminate Waste
Michael Hemsworth — March 11, 2016 — Eco
References: science.sciencemag.org & gizmag
According to sources, the level of plastic in the oceans is reaching epidemic proportions, so a new bacterium that can break down PET plastic has been found that could offer a solution.
Unearthed by a team of researchers at the Kyoto Institute of Technology, the bacterium was placed in a jar with PET plastic and allowed to sit. Within just weeks, the plastic was found broken down into two basic materials including terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; two harmless materials.
The bacterium, named Ideonella sakaiensis by the team, could offer a solution to how plastics could be recycled or eliminated in the future. As we look for ways to reduce, the new enzyme could offer a solution for recycling plants.
Unearthed by a team of researchers at the Kyoto Institute of Technology, the bacterium was placed in a jar with PET plastic and allowed to sit. Within just weeks, the plastic was found broken down into two basic materials including terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; two harmless materials.
The bacterium, named Ideonella sakaiensis by the team, could offer a solution to how plastics could be recycled or eliminated in the future. As we look for ways to reduce, the new enzyme could offer a solution for recycling plants.
Trend Themes
-
Plastic Waste Reduction — The discovery of a bacterium that can break down PET plastic opens up opportunities to reduce plastic waste through natural decomposition processes.
-
Bio-based Recycling — The bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis could revolutionize the recycling industry by enabling bio-based decomposition of PET plastic, reducing the reliance on traditional recycling methods.
-
Sustainable Materials — The breakthrough in utilizing bacteria to break down PET plastic provides a pathway to develop sustainable materials and reduce environmental impact.
Industry Implications
-
Waste Management — The discovery of the plastic-eating bacterium offers new possibilities for waste management companies to develop innovative solutions for recycling and reducing plastic waste.
-
Plastics Manufacturing — The bacterium's potential to break down plastic presents an opportunity for plastics manufacturing companies to explore more sustainable production methods and materials.
-
Environmental Technology — The development of bacteria-based processes to break down plastic aligns with the goals of the environmental technology industry, opening up avenues for innovative solutions and products.
5.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
