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Scientists have identified proteins that play an active role in breaking down plastic, marking a significant breakthrough in their research.
Researchers at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Stirling have discovered the significant impact of bacteria residing on plastic waste.
Evidence has been discovered that could potentially predict the future breakdown of plastic materials, which can currently take up to hundreds of years.
The university emphasized the importance of conducting more research to understand the role of microorganisms on marine plastic pollution in wider regions.
The study also discovered uncommon and under-researched bacteria that may aid in the breakdown of plastic, providing fresh perspectives on addressing plastic contamination.
Together with specialists from the University of Mons in Belgium, they studied the proteins in plastic samples collected from Gullane beach in East Lothian.
Sabine Matallana-Surget led a study that took a different approach, examining the proteins produced by live microorganisms.
Dr. Matallana-Surget stated that the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean has become a critical issue, with trillions of plastic pieces estimated to be scattered across the globe’s oceans.
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This type of plastic creates major disturbances in the environment and economy as it builds up in oceanic gyres, coastal areas, and is consumed by aquatic animals such as fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
“Micro-organisms rapidly colonise the surface of plastic pollution when it enters the environment, and their complex ecological interactions can shape the fate of plastic in marine systems.
It is crucial to comprehend the role and environment of microorganisms that inhabit plastic pollution in order to accurately evaluate the dangers of plastic pollution in the ocean and to open the door for new discoveries beyond just breaking down plastic.
This research focuses on filling a significant knowledge gap regarding the ecological functions of microorganisms that inhabit marine plastic pollution.
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There is a lack of research on the metabolic pathways utilized by these microorganisms, particularly in colder regions.
We utilized advanced comparative metaproteomics and multi-omics techniques to identify the microorganisms that were present on marine plastic pollution, as well as those that were actively involved.
This is significant because certain microorganisms that inhabit plastic waste have the ability to break down hydrocarbons and other harmful substances.
Source: independent.co.uk
