Microbes Make A Meal Out Of Landfill Plastic

April 11, 2016
Scientists discover polyethylene-eating bacterium.

Plastic piling up in landfills meets its match in a newly discovered microbe that feasts on polyethylene terephthalate (PET).  Japanese researchers have identified the world’s first PET-eating bacterium, according to an article from Scientific American, dubbed Ideonella sakaiensis for the city where it was found. 

While PET is reportedly the most recycled plastic in the United States, millions of metric tons are discarded annually in landfills where the material’s bonds resist breaking down. Researchers searching for microbes that can pull apart these stubborn bonds unearthed the bacterium, which uses PET as its major carbon and energy source and breaks it down faster and more efficiently than other means.

Read the entire story here.

Sponsored Recommendations

Connect with an Expert!

Our measurement instrumentation experts are available for real-time conversations.

Maximize Green Hydrogen Production with Advanced Instrumentation

Discover the secrets to achieving maximum production output, ensuring safety, and optimizing profitability through advanced PEM electrolysis.

5 Ways to Improve Green Hydrogen Production Using Measurement Technologies

Watch our video to learn how measurement solutions can help solve green hydrogen production challenges today!

How to Solve Green Hydrogen Challenges with Measurement Technologies

Learn How Emerson's Measurement Technologies Tackle Renewable Hydrogen Challenges with Michael Machuca.