Marine plastic pollution is a growing global crisis, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans every year. This plastic not only poses a threat to marine life, but also to human health and the overall health of our planet. However, recent research has revealed a glimmer of hope in the fight against plastic pollution – the discovery of bacterial enzymes that actively degrade plastic.
Plastic, a material that was once hailed as a revolutionary invention, has now become one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. It is estimated that there are currently over 5 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans, with this number only expected to increase in the coming years. The most common types of plastic found in our oceans are single-use items such as plastic bags, straws, and bottles, which can take hundreds of years to decompose.
For decades, scientists have been searching for a solution to this growing problem. However, recent breakthroughs in research have shown that nature may hold the key. In 2016, a team of researchers from Japan discovered a species of bacteria, Ideonella sakaiensis, that had the ability to break down and feed on PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the most commonly used plastic in the world. This discovery was groundbreaking, as PET is known for its resistance to degradation and is commonly used in the production of plastic bottles.
Since then, scientists have been working to understand the mechanisms behind this bacterial degradation of plastic. In a study published in the journal Science in 2018, researchers from the University of Portsmouth in the UK and the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) identified the enzyme responsible for breaking down PET. This enzyme, called PETase, has the ability to break down PET into its basic building blocks, which can then be used to create new plastic products.
But the research did not stop there. In a recent study published in the journal PNAS, a team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) discovered another enzyme, called MHETase, which works in tandem with PETase to break down PET even further. This two-enzyme system has shown to be even more efficient in breaking down PET, with the potential to completely degrade it within a matter of weeks.
The discovery of these bacterial enzymes has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities in the fight against plastic pollution. Scientists are now exploring the potential of using these enzymes to develop new methods for recycling plastic, as well as using them to clean up plastic pollution in our oceans.
But perhaps the most exciting application of this research is the potential to use these enzymes to create a biodegradable plastic. Currently, most biodegradable plastics are made from plant-based materials, which can still take several years to decompose. However, by using bacterial enzymes to break down plastic, we could potentially create a truly biodegradable plastic that can be safely disposed of in the environment without causing harm.
However, while this research is undoubtedly promising, it is not a complete solution to the problem of plastic pollution. The use of these enzymes is still in its early stages, and there are still many challenges to overcome before they can be used on a large scale. Additionally, the production of these enzymes on a large scale may also have its own environmental impacts.
In the meantime, it is important for individuals and governments to continue efforts to reduce plastic consumption and properly dispose of plastic waste. This includes implementing policies to reduce single-use plastics, promoting recycling and waste management, and investing in research and innovation to find more sustainable alternatives to plastic.
The discovery of bacterial enzymes that actively degrade plastic is a significant step towards finding a solution to the global plastic pollution crisis. However, it is just one piece of the puzzle, and it is crucial for all of us to play our part in reducing plastic consumption and properly disposing of plastic waste. Only by working together can we hope to create a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.