We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Bioremediation of PET-Contaminated Wastewater Using Shrimp Waste Activated Sludge: A Combined In Silico–Experimental Study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used bacteria from shrimp waste sludge to break down PET plastic pollution in wastewater in lab tests. Computer modeling showed the bacteria's enzyme bound strongly to PET, and lab experiments found treated wastewater had up to 95% less solid waste and pollution markers within 10 hours, with a breakdown byproduct detected.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic pollution is a long-standing environmental problem because it is highly resistant to natural degradation. This study investigates a poorly studied low-cost biocatalytic approach for the degradation of PET-derived wastewater using esterase-producing bacteria isolated from activated sludge of shrimp waste. Theoretical binding affinity and degradation performance were evaluated by the dual-approach strategy of molecular docking simulation (MOE software) and laboratory-scale degradation experiments. The docking analysis revealed that PET had a strong and stable binding interaction with the esterase enzyme, suggesting its catalytic ability. Shrimp waste activated sludge treatment experimentally resulted in reduction of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) up to 95% within 10 hours. The degradation product of diethylene glycol (DEG) was confirmed by gas chromatography. These studies demonstrate a promising pathway towards an eco-friendly PET wastewater treatment based on waste valorization.
More Papers Like This
Biodegradation of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Microplastics by Baceterial Communities From Activated Sludge
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists isolated bacteria from wastewater treatment sludge that can biodegrade PET plastic, used in plastic bottles and food packaging. The bacteria broke down PET microplastics over a 60-day period, pointing toward a potential biological tool for removing plastic contamination from water treatment systems.
Biodegradation of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Microplastics by Baceterial Communities From Activated Sludge
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists isolated bacteria from wastewater treatment sludge that can biodegrade PET plastic, used in plastic bottles and food packaging. The bacteria broke down PET microplastics over a 60-day period, pointing toward a potential biological tool for removing plastic contamination from water treatment systems.
In silico binding affinity analysis of microplastic compounds on PET hydrolase enzyme target of Ideonella sakaiensis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used computer simulations to test whether a bacterial enzyme (PET hydrolase from Ideonella sakaiensis) could break down six types of plastic, finding it most effective against polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and least effective against PVC, informing which plastics this microbe might help degrade in the environment.
Bioremediation Potential of Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic
AI summary Read the abstract
This Malay-language review examines the bioremediation potential of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic using bacteria, covering four approaches: biofilm-forming bacteria, biosurfactants, biotransformation enzymes, and consortium cultures. PET's durability, crystallinity, and tendency to fragment into microplastics smaller than 5 mm make it a persistent environmental pollutant, especially in aquatic food chains. The review identifies bacterial bioremediation as a promising strategy for addressing PET waste accumulation.
Degradation of PET Plastics by Wastewater Bacteria Engineered via Conjugation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers demonstrated a proof-of-concept approach for reducing PET microplastic pollution in wastewater by engineering bacteria in situ via conjugation to express PET-degrading enzymes. The study used a broad-host-range conjugative plasmid to transfer PET hydrolase genes into native wastewater bacterial communities.
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.