April 5, 2020
Figure caption: bacteria P. putida breaking down polyurethane monomers.
In the last 70 years, humans have manufactured over 8 billion tons of plastic, with that, not a single ounce of that has yet to be 100% completely decomposed by the environment. Scientists have been trying to find novel ways to try and solve the plastic pollution crisis in our world. A recent research study got the attention of a news outlet, CNN in this case, and what the study examined was how certain bacteria can play a role in breaking down plastics. The study found a particular type of bacteria, called Pseudomonas putida. P. putida has the special ability to break down a plastic building block that many polyurethane plastics are made from. The bacteria are able to break down and metabolize the carbon in the plastic, and use it for energy.
The main benefit here is that it is not toxic to humans, and there is no negative impact on the environment by letting these bacteria use this plastic for fuel and safely getting rid of plastic from our environment. The drawback to all this is that the bacteria can only break down the building blocks of polyurethane plastic, not all plastics like bigger and more complex ones.
This is a huge find by researchers and relates to the topic of ecology because it is a brand new way of dealing with plastic pollution. As time goes on, so does the world's plastic use, so we need to come up with ingenious ways to fight it without any negative consequences. This new technique can revolutionize how we break down carbon carcinogenic compounds like plastic, and allow our environment to begin to recover. This furthermore relates to our class because it offers a solution that affects all ecosystems across the globe. Solving the plastic crisis are the next steps to stabilizing our environment and planning for ecological growth and longevity.
Work cited:
Andrew, Scottie. “Plastic-Eating Bacteria Could Be Small Step toward Tackling World's Pollution Crisis.” CNN, Cable News Network, 30 Mar. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/03/30/world/bacteria-degrades-plastic-scn-trnd/index.html.
It is very encouraging to know that there may be a viable solution to combat plastic pollution. This is especially important because plastics have a significant negative impact on humans and non-human life. It is unfortunate that this bacteria will only break down less complex plastics, but hopefully this innovation will trigger future progress in destroying plastics.
ReplyDeleteI like that this is an option to get rid of some plastic. Even though the drawback is it only decomposes one type, in my eyes getting rid of some is better than none.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting solution to addressing plastic pollution and one that I hadn't heard of. Hopefully with more research we can determine if there is a plastic that would be able to break down bigger and more complex plastics.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting as addressing a new way to get rid of plastic is always being suggested. I have never heard of this way and hope it works out in the near future.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time that I had heard of a solution to our over usage of plastic. This is ground breaking and incredibly under-reported. The best thing about the bacteria is that it is unharmful to humans and the environment.
ReplyDeleteSince plastic is such a huge problem in environment, I am happy to hear that there is a solution that can be implemented. I hope that more research can be conducted to increase the different types of plastic that can be decomposed.
ReplyDeleteThis is so fascination because it gives hope to our plastic pullution problem. If scientists do more research on the bacteria that can break down plastic then maybe they can figure out how we can break down plastics in a safe way for the environment. However, until then we should still try to reduce consumption.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this! What an incredible discovery. I think even the drawback of it only being able to work on certain plastics is still an incredible way to use it especially since it is not harmful to humans. Great topic!
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great solution to our plastic problem, I wonder why it is isn't talked about more. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very intriguing topic. It is so unfortunate and surprising that plastic created over 70 years ago has still not fully decomposed. This technology is revolutionary and will make great changes in the time being. Hopefully this technology will open the door to more advancements in the decomposition of plastic and allow for all current and especially old plastic to be fully decomposed much more quickly.
ReplyDeleteThis new discovery may not necessarily fix the whole plastic problem but it offers hope that we may discover new solutions that can significantly help decrease plastic waste and pollution. Was happy to read something optimistic about combating pollution.
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