Will an Enzyme That Eats Plastic Solve Our Pollution Problem?

  • Thread starter Cosmodi
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In summary, scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles - by accident. The enzyme is being tested to see if it can be used to recycle plastic bottles, but it is still in the examination phase and may not be cheaper than oil-based plastic. The enzyme was discovered in a Japanese waste dump and could have implications for the environment, as some durable goods may not be as durable anymore. Britain is planning to prohibit plastic drinking straws, which may also have implications for the environment.
  • #1
Cosmodi
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Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles – by accident.

Do you think it will help? How fast it can be implemented worldwide?
 
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  • #2
A link would be nice.
 
  • #4
It is an interesting discovery but, I wouldn't get my hopes up that it would be used on a global scale any time soon (at least 10+ years). It is still in the examination phase and it wouldn't be cheaper than just making more plastic from oil. Even if it was cheaper to recycle with this today, it would still have to be tested thoroughly - which takes time.
 
  • #6
Cosmodi said:
Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles – by accident.

Do you think it will help? How fast it can be implemented worldwide?
I think they found and investigated a bacterium in a Japanese waste dump that was living off plastic, if I recall correctly.
The enzyme doing the "chewing" was enhanced by the scientists to speed up the process.

Do we want this world wide? In the wild? Certain durable goods might not be so durable anymore.
PET is already recycled.

PS. Britain has plans on prohibiting plastic drinking and stirring straws. Not sure if those are PET, but it sure is a step along the way into eliminating single use packaging and products that have entered the market.
 
  • #7
256bits said:
Do we want this world wide? In the wild? Certain durable goods might not be so durable anymore.
PET is already recycled.

It's an enzyme, not a bacterial him or other organism. So I don't think more than limited accidents could arise.

Makes you think though. For about 3/4 of a century sensitive things like signals and other electrical cables have been insulated bye various polymer substances, and I don't suppose hardly anyone ever gave a thought they could be attacked by organisms. Once such organisms evolve evolve they'd find plentiful food and should spread like anything! This story shows that they will involve independent of human help. Plus they could also get some human help . To produce this enzyme its gene is engineered into cells which would be cultivated Industrially. With small probability at any time, but a larger one over a larger time, these cells would escape, and then with same small but over time large probability, the relevant gene might get transferred into other cells that could spread and this gene get further improved by natural selection on a large scale. So surely some precautions should be taken, it's early days right now.
 

Related to Will an Enzyme That Eats Plastic Solve Our Pollution Problem?

What is an "Enzyme that Eats Plastic"?

An "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" refers to a type of enzyme that is able to break down and digest certain types of plastic materials. This enzyme is derived from a bacterium discovered in a plastic recycling plant and has the potential to help reduce plastic pollution.

How does the "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" work?

The "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" works by breaking down the chemical bonds in certain types of plastic, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). This allows the plastic to be broken down into smaller components that can be used as a food source by the bacterium producing the enzyme.

What types of plastic can the "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" break down?

The "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" has been shown to be effective in breaking down PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, which is commonly used in single-use plastic bottles. However, researchers are also exploring its potential to break down other types of plastic, such as polyurethane and polystyrene.

Is the "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" safe for the environment?

While the "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" shows promise in breaking down plastic waste, its long-term effects on the environment are still being studied. Researchers are also working on ways to contain and control the enzyme to prevent it from harming other organisms or ecosystems.

Can the "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" be used to solve the plastic pollution crisis?

The "Enzyme that Eats Plastic" is one potential solution for reducing plastic pollution, but it is not a standalone solution. It will require a combination of efforts, such as reducing our plastic consumption, improving recycling and waste management, and developing new sustainable materials, to effectively address the plastic pollution crisis.

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