The Arctic Bacteria That Eats Microplastics — Nature’s Answer to Ocean Pollution

 

A team of researchers in the Arctic has recently discovered an amazing finding which is a bacteria that feeds on microplastics.

This may be the start of the third wave of environmental restoration where life has come in to restore the destruction brought about by pollution.

What are the Microplastics and why are they a problem?

Microplastics are small plastic pieces emerging out of bigger ones or synthetic substances. They have been detected in fish, rain and even in human lungs.

They are not biodegradable: this means that they accumulate, polluting the ecosystems and entering the food chains.

There have been attempts by scientists to use physical and chemical cleanup procedures, however none has been sustainable and scalable. That is why such discovery in the Arctic is so revolutionary.

The Discovery That Changed Everything.

When researchers were taking water and ice samples, they noticed the growth of microorganisms on microscopic plastic debris. One of the bacterial strains was found to digest polystyrene and polyethylene particles when analyzed.

How the Bacteria Works

The organism secretes enzymes which are cold resistant and they cut through plastic polymers.

It can work in low temperatures unlike most bacteria which need heat, thus it is suitable in the Arctic and deep oceans.

It basically converts plastic into organic harmless substances and the cycle is complete.

An Environmentally-friendly, Natural Solution.

When used in a prudent manner, this microbe would form part of bioremediation efforts aimed at restoring marine life.

Why the Arctic Conditions Favored this Evolution.

Biological innovation can be an outcome of extreme environments. Scarcity of resources in the arctic drives organisms into finding creative ways of survival.

This bacterium developed and learned to use the accessible microplastics as a source of energy — a survival instinct that might rescue the planet.

The Path to International Implementation.

Its sequencing of the genome and mapping of its enzymes is the next step. The scientists are trying to express the enzyme in a test tube, and, thus, minimize the necessity to introduce living microbes into nature.

That would enable the industries to develop the enzyme-based plastic recyclers which would pose no ecological threat.

Agreements on Ethical and Safety.

Although the concept of plastic-eating bacteria seems to be promising, it should be strictly controlled. The balance of the ecosystem is very delicate and any change may lead to emerging issues.

A Ray of Hope to Marine Life.

Millions of animals die annually due to the consumption of plastic. This breakthrough would help to avoid that tragedy as the pollution would be removed on the microscopic scale.

Coral reefs to whales, all species might enjoy the cleaner water, and therefore, this bacteria is not only a scientific miracle but also a hope to all living organisms.

Furthermore, it concludes with Nature Fights Back.

The fact that even microplastics can be eaten by the Arctic closely-related bacteria testifies that even the tiniest creatures can bring about the largest change.

When designed well it may likely assist humanity in cleaning up its own mess with the very power of life a collaboration between science and nature and perhaps it will eventually cure our oceans.