This fungus breaks down polypropylene plastic.
(Photo: Amira Farzana Samat/University of Sydney)
Our planet has a plastic problem.
Accumulated waste and constant production have resulted in mounds of trash around the globe and bobbing in our oceans.
This fungus breaks down polypropylene plastic. (Photo: Amira Farzana Samat/University of Sydney)
In a study published inNPJ Materials Degradation, the researchers detailed the results of usingAspergillus terreusandEngyodontium albumon polypropylene plastic.
The two species of fungi are common forms of mold.
It is rarely recycled and, like other plastics, takesdecadesto degrade.
The fungi sets to work. (Photo: University of Sydney)
The plastics were heated and treated with both UV radiation and Fenton’s chemical (a reagent).
Next, the plastics were fed to the fungi and allowed to incubate for 90 days.
After 90 days, the plastic was 27% degraded.
University of Sydney scientists Ali Abbas (left) and Amira Farzana Samat (right). (Photo: University of Sydney)
After 140 days, it was completely degraded.
Within five years, the team hopes the fungi can be breaking down landfills around the country.
It is scaling up which is very much similar to any kind of fermentation process, Abbas said.
Photo: KANVAG/Depositphotos
Commercial applications could be even faster with funding and political will.
This potential solution adds to others such asplastic-eating wormsto attack our waste.
However, the world also needs to reduce its plastic use, even if full degradation becomes widespread.
Plastic production, as well as recycling, produce carbon in large amounts.
Degrading through mold will also release carbon.
Researchers have used common backyard fungi to destroy some of the toughest plastics.
The fungi sets to work.
(Photo: University of Sydney)
The molds can destroy polypropylene when activated by heat.
University of Sydney scientists Ali Abbas (left) and Amira Farzana Samat (right).
