We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Soil Bacteria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether soil bacteria could biodegrade polystyrene, a plastic historically considered highly resistant to natural degradation since studies dating to the 1970s first examined its environmental persistence. They found evidence that certain soil bacterial communities can break down polystyrene, suggesting a potential biological pathway for remediating this persistent plastic pollutant in terrestrial and marine environments.
The myriad of useful applications of plastic are ubiquitous across every aspect of modern life. Resistance to degradation, the hallmark property of many plastics including polystyrene, is paradoxically one of plasticâs greatest threats to the environment. This study will focus on polystyrene, a plastic used in many private and commercial applications as a foam or solid. Studies dating back to the 1970âs indicate polystyrene does not easily degrade naturally; thus polystyrene waste swept into the sea, found discarded within terrestrial ecosystems, or deposited in landfills persists in these environments for innumerable years impacting delicate ecosystems. In this study, soil bacteria species were screened for polystyrene degradation activity in order to reveal potential pollution intervention approaches. Soil microbes were recovered directly and by enrichment growth on Styrofoam packing peanuts. After single colony isolation on yeast extract peptone glucose (YEPG) agar, candidate microbes were grown in liquid carbon-free phosphate minimal medium (PMM) upon ninety-six well polystyrene plates for three weeks. Potential degrader status was assigned to isolates growing on polystyrene plastic dishes, (e.g. the sole carbon source), using a metabolic indicator dye that oxidizes a colorless substrate to a yellow color, water soluble tetrazolium (WST-1). Several intrinsic factors complicated the interpretation of this strategy including bacterial spore formation, stored carbon within polysaccharides, and metabolism of trace materials impregnated in polystyrene during manufacture. Mixed bacterial isolates were examined for sustained metabolic activity. Additional metabolic assessments included a candidate microbeâs (2C73) use of monomeric styrene as a carbon source, and the influence of plant root exudates on metabolism and growth. A direct screening for survival and replication of 2C73 growing onStyrofoam packing peanuts was conducted, with subsequent foam mass reduction noted. We isolated and characterized several rhizosphere bacteria from a residential site and an industrial site in terms of survival and growth on a polystyrene petri-dish (the sole carbon source). Candidates were characterized using WST-1, and colony forming units present after incubation in polystyrene as the only carbon source. 16S rDNA sequence analysis was utilized to determine genus. In summary: These results suggest some soil-borne bacteria have potential to motivate soil-born polystyrene degradation.
More Papers Like This
Degradation and potential metabolism pathway of polystyrene by bacteria from landfill site
AI summary Read the abstract
This study identified bacteria from landfill soil capable of degrading polystyrene microplastics, characterizing the microbial community involved and elucidating potential metabolic pathways for polystyrene breakdown. The findings support the potential for bioremediation of this otherwise recalcitrant plastic.
Biodegradation of weathered polystyrene films in seawater microcosms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that natural marine bacterial communities, especially after adapting to plastic surfaces over time, can measurably break down weathered polystyrene films in seawater under realistic ocean conditions. Chemical and physical analysis confirmed actual degradation of the plastic's molecular structure, suggesting that ocean microbes play a role in the slow natural breakdown of plastic pollution.
Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Polymer by Microbial Assisted Novel Process
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated bacteria from sewage soil and tested their ability to degrade polystyrene and polyurethane foams, identifying two strains — Pseudomonas aeruginosa and another species — with degradation potential. Microbial degradation of plastic foams could offer a biological tool for reducing plastic waste before it fragments into microplastics.
Evaluation of the Deterioration of Untreated Commercial Polystyrene by Psychrotrophic Antarctic Bacterium
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated psychrotrophic bacteria from Antarctic soil and evaluated their ability to deteriorate untreated commercial polystyrene, demonstrating that polar microorganisms can utilize polystyrene microplastics as a carbon source for biodegradation.
Biodegradation of Expanded Polystyrene Using Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Vitark5
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers isolated a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria from plastic-contaminated soil and tested its ability to break down expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam in lab conditions. The bacterium was able to grow using polystyrene as its sole carbon source, produced biosurfactants that helped it attach to plastic surfaces, and caused measurable weight loss in EPS samples. Microbial degradation of polystyrene is a promising approach to reducing one of the most persistent and environmentally harmful forms of plastic waste.
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.