Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HomeTechnologyScientists discover fungi that can consume plastic

Scientists discover fungi that can consume plastic

Plastic waste has been a major environmental problem for years, and despite recycling efforts, the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills continues to grow. However, a recent discovery by Australian scientists offers a glimmer of hope. They have discovered a plastic-eating fungus that can break down one of the most stubborn plastics, polypropylene, in just 140 days, which could revolutionize the global recycling crisis.

The researchers at the University of Sydney found that two types of fungi, Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album, were effective at breaking down small samples of polypropylene. These fungi, which are typically found in plants and soil, were able to break down 27% of the plastic in just 90 days and completely degrade it after 140 days when exposed to ultraviolet rays or heat.

Polypropylene is commonly used to make takeaway containers, cling film, and ice-cream tubs, and while it is recyclable, an estimated 13,500 tonnes of it still ends up in Australian landfills every year due to contamination or mixed materials.

The findings, published in the science journal NPJ Materials Degradation, highlight the potential of these fungi to revolutionize the way we deal with plastic waste. If harnessed properly, they could significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that accumulates in landfills and offer a sustainable solution for recycling.

One of the advantages of using fungi to break down plastic is that it is a natural process. Unlike traditional recycling methods that require significant energy and resources to break down plastics, fungi can break down plastic in a much more sustainable and environmentally friendly way. This could also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts associated with traditional plastic recycling methods.

The discovery of these plastic-eating fungi could also have a major impact on the global recycling industry. With the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic recycling methods, the use of fungi to break down plastic could become a viable solution for recycling companies around the world.

However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed before this technology can be fully commercialized. One of the major challenges is scaling up the process to break down larger amounts of plastic. While the researchers were able to break down small samples of polypropylene, the technology needs to be developed further to deal with large quantities of plastic waste.

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Nevertheless, the discovery of these plastic-eating fungi is a major step forward in the fight against plastic waste. It highlights the potential of natural processes to offer sustainable solutions to environmental problems and provides hope that we can find ways to reduce our reliance on traditional recycling methods.

Fungi
Image source: Google

In conclusion, the discovery of fungi that can break down plastic in record time is a significant breakthrough in the fight against plastic waste. If harnessed properly, this technology could revolutionize the way we deal with plastic waste and provide a sustainable solution for recycling. While there are still challenges that need to be addressed, this discovery offers hope for a more sustainable future.

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