plastic degradation – mycolab.ai

Harnessing and Degradation Mechanism of Persistent Polyethylene Waste by Newly Isolated Bacteria from Waxworm and Termite Gut Symbionts

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Researchers discovered that bacteria living in the guts of waxworms and termites can effectively break down plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) commonly found in plastic bags and packaging. Two bacterial strains—Bacillus cereus from waxworms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from termites—were tested for their ability to degrade LDPE. The Bacillus cereus strain proved more effective, breaking down nearly 20% of the plastic over 45 days by forming biofilms and using enzyme-producing capabilities. These findings suggest a promising biological approach to managing plastic pollution that could complement traditional recycling methods.

Metagenomic assembled dataset of potentially polyethylene terephthalate-degrading microcosms enriched from seawater, cow dung, and landfill soil

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Scientists have created a database of 99 microbial genomes collected from seawater, cow manure, and landfill soil that can potentially break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic used in bottles and clothing. These microorganisms were grown in laboratory experiments for 180 days using PET as their only food source. The research provides valuable information about which bacteria and archaea might help solve plastic pollution problems through natural biodegradation.

Editorial: Effects of microplastics on soil ecosystems

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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are accumulating in soil worldwide and causing problems for the microorganisms that keep soil healthy. This editorial reviews research showing that while newer biodegradable plastic mulches used in farming are better than traditional plastics, both types can weaken the complex networks of beneficial soil microbes. Scientists found bacteria that can break down some plastic chemicals, but long-term solutions require better monitoring and ways to manage plastic residues in agricultural soils.

Large-scale phenotyping of 1,000 fungal strains for the degradation of non-natural, industrial compounds

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Scientists tested over 1,000 different fungi to see which ones could break down human-made pollutants like industrial dyes, plastics, and paper waste. They found that different types of fungi are good at degrading different pollutants, with wood-decaying fungi being particularly useful. This research suggests that fungi could be engineered to help clean up environmental pollution caused by industry and human activities.

Breaking Down Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Using Fungal Mycelium (Part A): A Path Towards Sustainable Waste Management and Its Possible Economic Impacts

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Researchers discovered that certain fungi, especially Schizophyllum commune, can effectively break down plastic waste called LLDPE through their natural enzymes. In laboratory tests, this fungus degraded plastic about 20 times faster than samples without fungal treatment over 30 days. This fungal approach is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods like incineration or landfilling, and could help solve plastic pollution while creating jobs and using agricultural waste productively.

Novel Approach in Biodegradation of Synthetic Thermoplastic Polymers: An Overview

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This review explores how microorganisms like fungi and bacteria can break down plastic waste, which is a major environmental problem. Plastic bags and packaging materials take thousands of years to decompose naturally, but certain fungi produce special enzymes that can degrade plastics more quickly. The research suggests that using biodegradable plastics and microbial degradation could be promising solutions to reduce plastic pollution in soil and marine environments.

Isolation and characterization of marine microorganisms capable of degrading plastics

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Scientists have discovered over 1,500 marine bacteria and fungi that can break down different types of plastic waste. By using optimized culturing methods, they isolated microorganisms capable of degrading common plastics like bottles, foam, and packaging materials. This research provides a foundation for developing biological solutions to address ocean plastic pollution through microbial-based technologies.

Plastic-Microbial BioRemediation DB: A Curated Database for Multi-Omics Applications

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Scientists have created a new database called Plastic-MBR that catalogs bacteria capable of breaking down plastic waste. Using computer analysis of genetic information from soil and river samples, researchers identified numerous bacterial species and enzymes that could potentially help eliminate plastic pollution. This database serves as a starting point for selecting promising bacteria that could be tested in laboratories and eventually used to develop practical plastic-cleaning solutions for contaminated environments.

Identification of novel polyethylene-degrading fungi from South African landfill soils: Arthrographis kalrae, Lecanicillium coprophilum, and Didymosphaeria variabile

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Researchers in South Africa discovered three previously unknown fungi that can break down plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene used in shopping bags. These fungi were isolated from landfill soils and showed the ability to degrade plastic strips through oxidative processes, with chemical changes detectable using advanced analysis techniques. This discovery offers hope for developing local, biologically-based solutions to South Africa’s serious plastic waste problem.

Evaluation of Aspergillus flavus Growth on Weathered HDPE Plastics Contaminated with Diesel Fuel

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Diesel storage tanks made from plastic accumulate stubborn hydrocarbon residues that are difficult to clean using traditional methods. Scientists discovered that a common fungus called Aspergillus flavus can effectively grow on and potentially help break down these diesel-contaminated plastics, especially when the diesel has aged for years and is exposed to warmer temperatures. This research suggests fungi could offer an environmentally friendly way to clean up contaminated plastic waste from fuel storage.

Research Keyword: plastic degradation