Researchers have found that microplastics, plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter, are ubiquitous in the environment. While there is growing concern about their impact on human health, a recent analysis suggests that commonly cited statistics about plastic consumption are often unverified. New evidence suggests that microplastic exposure may be linked to increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Meanwhile, researchers are working to find ways to reduce plastic pollution at its source. A recent breakthrough by a team at the University of Waterloo has engineered bacteria to produce an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic found in clothing and food containers. The enzyme, PETase, can chemically snip apart PET’s polymer chains, degrading the plastic into smaller molecules. While the results are promising, the team notes that scaling up this approach poses challenges, including cost, efficiency, and biocontainment. Some experts are optimistic about the potential of this technology to target plastic degradation in wastewater treatment plants, while others are more skeptical, calling for a multi-faceted approach to addressing the plastic pollution crisis.
Scientists successfully harness microbes to break down 40% of plastic waste in a groundbreaking study.
