Omar Khalid
Plastic is notorious for attracting water molecules, which carry dirt and pathogens. This makes plastic a breeding ground for bacteria, especially anaerobic bacteria, which can thrive along plastic edges if they stay moist. The softness of plastic also means that bacteria can easily soak into it. On the other hand, stainless steel is hard, making it difficult for bacteria to penetrate its surface. Additionally, skin is naturally resistant to bacteria, while plastic gloves have largely replaced hand washing in many establishments, which can be unhygienic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoothness | Plastic is not smooth on a microscopic scale. |
| Toughness | Plastic is soft, allowing bacteria to soak into it. |
| Hydrophobicity | Plastic attracts water molecules, which carry dirt and pathogens. |
| Conductivity | Plastic is an insulator, unlike metals such as copper and silver, which can kill bacteria. |
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What You'll Learn
Bacteria can be used to break down plastic
Plastic is a significant contributor to pollution, with over 12 million metric tonnes of plastic entering the ocean each year, severely impacting marine life. While only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled, the good news is that bacteria can be used to break down plastic and save our oceans.
In 2001, Japanese scientists discovered bacteria in a rubbish dump that were breaking down plastic bottles, toys, and other items. These bacteria were using the carbon in the plastic for energy, which helped them grow and divide into more plastic-eating bacteria. This discovery sparked interest in using microorganisms to tackle plastic waste.
One such microorganism is Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium capable of breaking down and consuming polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. It was discovered in 2016 at a recycling plant in Sakai, Japan, and has since been studied for its potential in recycling and bioremediation. The bacterium produces an enzyme called PETase, which breaks down PET into smaller molecules. These molecules can then be recycled into new PET objects, as demonstrated by a French company, Carbios, which has been processing PET plastic waste into precursor molecules for new plastic production.
While bacteria hold promise for plastic degradation, there are challenges. For instance, certain plastics like polyethylene (PE) used in shampoo bottles and toys have not yet been shown to be digestible by any bacteria. Additionally, the process of bacterial breakdown is slow, and producing enough bacteria to match the rate of plastic waste generation is difficult.
Despite these drawbacks, the future of using bacteria to break down plastic looks promising. Scientists are working on innovative solutions, such as genetically modifying enzymes to break down plastic faster and exploring the use of waxworms and their gut bacteria to target specific plastics. With ongoing research and development, we may be able to harness the power of bacteria to create more sustainable solutions for our growing plastic waste problem.
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Plastic is porous and attracts water, carrying dirt and pathogens
Plastic is a versatile material with many advantages. However, its inability to biodegrade is a significant disadvantage. Plastic products can take hundreds of years to break down, remaining in the environment for extended periods. During degradation, plastic particles can release harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which have known hormonal effects on vertebrates and invertebrates.
The porous nature of plastic contributes to its role as a carrier of dirt and pathogens. Plastic particles, including microplastics, can attract and absorb various substances, including water and organic compounds. This absorption can occur through processes such as adsorption and sorption, which involve the adhesion of molecules to the surface of the plastic.
Microplastics, minuscule plastic particles, can be released into the environment from a variety of sources, including synthetic clothing fibres, wastewater, and the degradation of larger plastic debris. These particles can be carried by wind and water, ending up in oceans, beaches, and even the stomachs of marine organisms.
The presence of microbes on the surface of microplastics further complicates the issue. These microbes can form biofilms, providing a habitat for colonisation by other species. This can facilitate the spread of pathogens and antibiotic-resistant genes through horizontal gene transfer. As microplastics move rapidly through waterways, they can introduce pathogens to new locations, potentially acting as vectors for diseases and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Additionally, sewage sludge containing microplastics is often used as fertiliser, leading to the accumulation of microplastics in soils. This can have detrimental effects on soil fauna, such as earthworms, and can impact soil conditions and functions. The porous nature of plastic contributes to its ability to absorb and carry these contaminants, posing risks to the environment and potentially human health.
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Plastic-eating bacteria can be used to reduce plastic waste
Plastic is a highly useful material, but its inability to biodegrade is a significant disadvantage. The world is currently grappling with the issue of plastic waste, with only 9% of all plastic ever made having been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills and waterways, causing serious harm to marine life.
However, plastic-eating bacteria offer a promising solution to this problem. In 2001, Japanese scientists discovered bacteria that had been breaking down plastic bottles, toys, and other waste at a dump. These bacteria were using the carbon in the plastic for energy, which they then used to multiply. This discovery sparked interest in the potential of using bacteria to tackle plastic waste.
Since then, scientists have continued to explore the use of bacteria, fungi, and plants to remove plastics, chemicals, and pollutants from contaminated soil and water, a process known as bioremediation. For example, in 2023, scientists suggested that bacteria in the gut of the Lesser Waxworm (Achroia grisella) could digest low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, commonly used in shopping bags and bubble wrap. Additionally, a French company, Carbios, has been using a bacterial enzyme to process PET plastic waste, breaking it down into precursor molecules that can be used to create new plastic. This process brings us closer to achieving infinitely recyclable plastic.
While there are challenges, such as the slow digestion rate of bacteria and the sheer volume of plastic waste, the potential of plastic-eating bacteria cannot be overlooked. With further research and development, these microorganisms could play a pivotal role in reducing plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable future.
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Plastic is soft, allowing bacteria to soak into it
Plastic is a soft material, which means that bacteria can easily soak into it. When discussing bacteria and germs, it is important to remember that these organisms are microscopic, and plastic, at this scale, is akin to a ridged mountain. This ridged surface allows bacteria to seep into the pores of the plastic.
The toughness of a material, or its deformation resistance, is a key factor in how susceptible it is to bacteria. Plastic is relatively soft and easily deformed, which makes it a good breeding ground for bacteria. Harder materials, such as stainless steel, are more resistant to bacteria as they are less susceptible to damage and deformation.
Additionally, plastic is well-known for attracting water molecules. Water is a universal solvent, often carrying dirt and pathogens. This means that plastic is more likely to harbour bacteria than other materials. The combination of softness, porosity, and its attraction to water makes plastic a less-than-ideal material for food handling or for use in environments where sanitation is critical, such as hospitals or food preparation areas.
The use of plastic gloves, for example, does not replace the importance of proper handwashing. While plastic gloves can help with cross-contamination if regularly changed, they are not a substitute for good hygiene practices.
Other materials, such as copper and silver, are known to kill bacteria, which makes them better alternatives to plastic in certain situations.
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Some plastics are biodegradable
Plastic is a highly useful material, with a wide range of applications in our daily lives. However, the fact that most plastic does not biodegrade is a significant disadvantage. Plastic waste ends up in landfills and waterways, polluting ecosystems and habitats. This has led to a plastic pollution crisis, with over 12 million metric tonnes of plastic entering the ocean every year.
Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. These plastics are often produced with renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of these. Biodegradable plastics can be fully petroleum-based or derived from biomass, such as seaweed, sugar beets, or other plants.
The discovery of plastic-eating bacteria has opened up new possibilities for dealing with plastic waste. In 2001, Japanese scientists found bacteria that were breaking down plastic bottles, toys, and other items in a rubbish dump. These bacteria were using the carbon in the plastic for energy, which they employed to grow and multiply. In 2016, scientists in Japan discovered a new type of bacteria, named Ideonella sakaiensis, which had naturally evolved to use a certain type of plastic as food.
While the use of bacteria to break down plastic is promising, there are some challenges. The amount of plastic waste generated is vast, and it would be difficult to produce enough bacteria to keep up with the volume of plastic entering the environment. Additionally, bacteria digest plastic slowly, and the conditions required for biodegradation of some plastics are highly specific, requiring controlled environments.
The development and use of biodegradable plastics and plastic-eating bacteria are important steps towards reducing plastic waste and its negative impact on the environment. However, it is essential to recognise that these solutions do not solve the plastic pollution crisis on their own. Proper waste management and a shift towards a circular economy are also crucial in addressing this global issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Stainless steel is less susceptible to bacterial growth than plastic because it is harder for bacteria to seep into its pores. Plastic is softer, making it easier for bacteria to grow.
Copper and silver are known to kill bacteria.
Plastic is porous and attracts water molecules, which carry dirt and pathogens. This makes it a good environment for bacterial growth.
