German scientists have found fungus that consume plastic, which may be a modest but promising start toward solving the world’s plastic pollution problem. These fungus can survive on synthetic polymers like polyurethane without the need for any additional carbon source; they were found in Lake Stechlin. According to studies conducted under the direction of Hans-Peter Grossart of the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, these fungus have the ability to degrade specific plastics and even produce biomass.
Although the finding appears promising, Grossart cautions that it is not a stand-alone remedy for the plastic pollution problem. The fungi’s capacity to break down plastic is mostly dependent on environmental elements including nutrition and temperature. Furthermore, the rates at which different forms of plastic break down differ; polyethylene, which is used in packaging, breaks down more slowly than polyurethane. Degradation of the heavy metal-laden microplastics from tire abrasion proved to be extremely challenging.
Grossart emphasizes that the fungi could be useful in controlled environments like sewage treatment plants, but reducing plastic waste at the source remains essential. Despite growing recycling efforts, only a small fraction of the 390 million tonnes of plastic produced annually is recycled. Thus, reducing plastic use and waste is still the most effective approach.
