Microorganisms capable of decomposing plastic have been found in the Krillon area of the Sakhalin Cape, vesti.ru reports. Samples of microorganisms and plastic waste in the southern part of Sakhalin were collected back in 2023.
Numerous studies have shown that micellar fungi and bacteria living on plastic waste in Aniva Bay are capable of decomposing polymer materials, scientists say.
In particular, 23 crops that destroy polycaprolactone, 10 crops that break down polystyrene, and 6 crops capable of decomposing polyethylene terephthalate, the base of plastic bottles, were identified.
There is work ahead to isolate enzymes from these crops – this will help speed up the plastic decomposition process.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
Produced and published as part of the project "Best practices have a voice"
