Plastic Eating Microbes Found In Ocean Waters

Last Sunday, scientists at the University of Shefield and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in the UK announced the completion of the first DNA level study on the microbes associated with plastic waste found in our oceans.

The scientists found that the microbes which grow on plastic particles floating in the ocean are different than the majority of microbes found naturally, in the absence of plastics.

The scientists warned that plastic particles in the ocean can become small enough that marine animals could easily absorb them into their bodies. Once in their system it could be fatal for the animals. However, the fact that the microbes growing on these plastics were significantly different than most marine microbes, suggests that they could be useful in breaking down plastics, especially if isolated.

Dr. Mark Osborn, who led the study was optimistic about their findings: "300 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year with significant proportions reaching the marine environment. Our research is revealing the potential for marine microbes to colonize plastics and to potentially degrade these key environmental pollutants."

Considering the breadth of plastic contamination in the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, it is encouraging to hear their may be ways to help clean these areas up. In the meantime, we have to stop adding to the mess by throwing away plastic bottles and all plastic for that matter.