microplastic-remediation
Microplastic remediation encompasses techniques to remove and contain microscopic plastic particles from soil and water systems. This research is essential for plant science because plants absorb water and nutrients directly from environments contaminated by microplastics, which can impair growth, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health. Developing effective remediation strategies is critical to protecting agricultural productivity and ecosystem function.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-06-24
Scientists isolated two bacteria from an Indonesian mangrove forest that can partially break down polypropylene plastic — one of the world's most common plastics — offering a potential biological tool for tackling microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems.
Paenibacillus sp. degraded 6.41% of polypropylene with a half-life of ~228 days; Aeromonas sp. degraded 5.22% with a half-life of ~282 days
Both bacteria secreted plastic-attacking enzymes (esterase at 21.6 U/mL, lipase at 12.9 U/mL, cutinase at 28.1 U/mL), confirmed by lab assays
FTIR and electron microscopy confirmed real chemical breakdown — carbonyl group formation and surface cracking — not just surface fouling
