Scientists Engineer Bacteria to Break Down Microplastics Found in Wastewater [Video]

Microplastics — the ubiquitous tiny plastic particles that are the result of the breakdown of plastic water bottles, packaging and synthetic clothing fibers — can run through wastewater treatment plants, making their way into the environment.

Researchers have engineered bacteria that is commonly found in the treatment plants to break down microplastic pollution before it has a chance to persist in the environment.

“Wastewater treatment plants are one of the major pathways for microplastics to enter the environment. In general, microplastics are contaminants of global concern that pose risks to ecosystems and human health,” the authors wrote in the study. “With a focus on wastewater, a major pathway for microplastics to enter the environment, this study demonstrates a proof of concept for engineering environmental microbiomes to rapidly degrade PET plastics.”

University of Waterloo researchers added DNA to several bacteria species found in wastewater. They then allowed them to biodegrade a common plastic— polyethylene …