Bacteria Found in Wastewater Can Break Down Plastic Waste

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Bacteria Found in Wastewater Can Break Down Plastic Waste

Bacteria Found in Wastewater Can Break Down Plastic Waste0A new study shows that a type of bacteria called Comamonas testosteroni can break down plastics into harmless substances.

This bacterium grows on plastics in urban rivers and wastewater systems. Researchers found that it can chew plastic into small pieces called nanoplastics and use an enzyme to break the plastic down even further. The bacterium then uses the broken-down plastic as food.

This discovery is significant because plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) do not easily break down, contributing to plastic pollution. This bacterium could create new ways to remove plastic waste, thus cleaning the environment and protecting wildlife.

Luis Apolo
Staff Reporter
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