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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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