We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Potential of Halophilic Bacteria from Hypersaline Waters to Reduce Polyethylene Microplastic Abundance in Artemia sp. Culture: A Preliminary Indication of Degradation Based on Gravimetric Weight Loss
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether halophilic bacteria isolated from hypersaline water could reduce polyethylene microplastic uptake in Artemia and degrade PE, finding that a bacterial dose of 10⁶ CFU/mL reduced microplastic particle counts in Artemia by 76% and achieved up to 31% gravimetric PE weight loss, though confirmation via SEM and FTIR is still needed.
Polyethylene (PE) microplastic contamination in aquaculture systems can increase plastic particle exposure in zooplankton, including Artemia sp., while also elevating the risk of biological disturbance in cultured organisms. This study evaluated the potential of halophilic bacteria isolated from hypersaline waters to reduce PE microplastic abundance in Artemia sp. and to provide a preliminary indication of PE degradation based on gravimetric weight loss. A completely randomized design with six treatments and three replications was applied: P0 (without microplastics and bacteria), KN (PE 2 mg/L), KP (bacteria 106 CFU/mL), P1 (PE 2 mg/L + bacteria 106 CFU/mL), P2 (PE 2 mg/L + bacteria 107 CFU/mL), and P3 (PE 2 mg/L + bacteria 108 CFU/mL). The primary response variables were microplastic abundance in Artemia sp. and PE degradation efficiency, whereas growth, survival, and water quality were treated as supporting variables. The treatments significantly affected microplastic abundance in Artemia sp. KN produced the highest abundance (0.1100 particles/individual), whereas bacterial addition reduced the value to 0.0267 particles/individual in P1, 0.0267 in P2, and 0.0467 in P3. PE weight loss ranged from 20.0% to 31.1%, with the highest value recorded in P1. These findings suggest that a halophilic bacterial inoculum of 106 CFU/mL was the most promising level for early-stage PE bioremediation in Artemia culture systems. Nevertheless, because degradation was assessed only by gravimetric loss, the result should be interpreted as a preliminary indication and still requires abiotic controls, SEM, and FTIR confirmation.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics under siege: Biofilm-forming marine bacteria from the microplastisphere and their role in plastic degradation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated and screened bacteria from microplastics collected along coastal beaches of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to assess their ability to degrade plastic. One bacterial strain achieved over 10% degradation of low-density polyethylene, with surface analysis confirming physical breakdown of the plastic. The study suggests that naturally occurring marine bacteria colonizing microplastics may play a role in plastic biodegradation in ocean environments.
[Screening, Identification, and Performance of Microplastic-degrading Functional Bacteria in Saline-alkali Soil Environment].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated three strains of salt-resistant bacteria from saline-alkali soil that can degrade microplastics. When all three strains were combined, they achieved weight loss rates of about 22-24% for polyethylene and PET microplastics over 60 days, significantly outperforming individual strains. The study reveals the enzymatic mechanisms behind how these bacteria break down plastic polymers through long-chain depolymerization and metabolic cycling.
Biodeterioration of Untreated Polypropylene Microplastic Particles by Antarctic Bacteria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated Antarctic bacteria and tested their ability to degrade untreated polypropylene microplastics over a 40-day incubation period. They found that several bacterial strains caused measurable physical and chemical changes to the microplastic surfaces, indicating early-stage biodegradation. The study suggests that cold-adapted microorganisms from extreme environments may hold potential for biological approaches to plastic pollution remediation.
Changes in microplastic-associated bacterial communities along a salinity gradient in Central Anatolian lakes of Türkiye
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined bacterial communities growing on microplastic surfaces across 11 Turkish lakes spanning a wide range of salinity levels. They found that Pseudomonadaceae bacteria dominated the microplastic biofilms, and several salt-tolerant pathogenic species were detected on plastic surfaces even in highly saline lakes. The study highlights that microplastics can serve as vehicles for potentially harmful bacteria across diverse freshwater environments.
Toward sustainable plastic bioremediation using bacterial consortia from aquatic environments.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study explored the biotechnological potential of native bacteria from diverse aquatic environments to biodegrade synthetic plastics and microplastics. Bacterial consortia isolated from contaminated sites showed promising plastic-degrading capabilities, pointing toward bioremediation strategies for plastic pollution.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.