On August 8, scientists in Germany announced that they have identified a species of fungus that can consume plastic, providing a glimmer of hope in addressing the millions of tons of waste that pollute the world’s oceans each year.
However, they warned that their research may only be a small part of the solution to plastic pollution, and the world must still work to reduce food packaging and plastic debris entering the environment, which can take decades to decompose.
A plastic bottle drifting on ocean waves at a fishing port in Isumi, east of Tokyo, Japan. (Photo: Reuters).
Professor Hans-Peter Grossart from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Germany stated that an analysis conducted at Lake Stechlin in northeastern Germany on how fungi thrive on certain types of plastics clearly demonstrated that some fungi have the ability to decompose synthetic polymers.
“The most surprising finding in our research… is that this type of fungus can exclusively grow on certain synthetic polymers and even form biomass“, Professor Hans-Peter Grossart shared with Reuters TV.
Professor Grossart believes that microbial plastic-degrading agents could be utilized in wastewater treatment plants or other facilities under controlled conditions. However, fungi are unlikely to be a comprehensive solution to the global waste crisis.
“We need to strive to release as little plastic into the environment as possible,” Professor Grossart told Reuters. “Plastics are made from fossilized carbon, and if fungi decompose it, it is no different from us burning oil or natural gas and releasing CO2 into the atmosphere,” he warned.
Among the 18 selected fungal strains, four strains showed particularly “hungry” characteristics, meaning they could “eat” plastic effectively, especially polyurethane, the type of plastic used to produce construction foam.
Polyethylene, used in plastic bags and packaging, decomposes much more slowly, and microplastics from worn-out tires are the most difficult to break down, mainly due to additives like heavy metals.
Professor Grossart noted that he believes the ability of fungi to “eat” plastic could adapt to the large amounts of carbon plastic in the environment. However, their plastic consumption heavily depends on external conditions, such as temperature or micronutrients.
According to data from the European plastics manufacturers association, Plastics Europe, approximately 390 million tons of plastic were produced worldwide in 2021, up from 1.7 million tons in 1950. Although recycling rates have increased in recent years, less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled globally.
