We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Sustainable Removal of Nanoplastics: Exploiting the Lipolytic Activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa O6 Isolated from Mariout Wetland, Egypt
Summary
Egyptian researchers isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa O6 from coastal wetland sediments and demonstrated that its lipolytic enzymes can biodegrade nanoplastics in vitro, presenting a promising microorganism for bioremediation of plastic-contaminated coastal environments.
The increasing problem of micro-nano plastic pollution in Egypt's coastal areas is a global threat to marine ecosystems. This study investigated an environmentally friendly bioremediation approach to tackle this issue, specifically looking at the identification and application of lipolytic bacteria found in plastic-polluted regions for breaking down nanoplastics. One of the seven bacterial strains examined showed an exceptional efficacy in degrading nanoplastics. This strain was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and was recorded in the NCBI database with an accession number of PP087224. The strain was analyzed using a p-nitrophenyl palmitate assay to quantify its lipase production when exposed to different nanoplastics, such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The results showed notable differences in enzyme activity depending on the polymer type. The strain exhibited the highest lipase activity with polyethylene (142± 2U/ µL), followed by polystyrene (83± 1.4U/ µL), and the lowest activity was observed with polyethylene terephthalate (22± 2U/ µL) compared to the control. The study showed that the bacterial reaction to nanoplastic pollution differs depending on the polymer type. Scanning electron microscopy verified a 97% decrease in nanoplastic sizes and chemical structural changes. This was validated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray differential (XRD) analysis, which showed modifications in the polymer's chemical structure and crystallinity. The research introduced a viable approach for nanoplastic remediation using particular bacterial strain and their enzymes, providing a new solution to the urgent problem of marine nanoplastic pollution utilizing the capabilities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa O6.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microbial–Enzymatic Combinatorial Approach to Capture and Release Microplastics
Researchers developed a microbial-enzymatic approach using evolved Pseudomonas aeruginosa to aggregate microplastics via biofilm formation for removal from polluted waters, then employed protease treatment to release captured plastics for downstream recovery.
Characterization of plastic degrading bacteria isolated from sewage wastewater
Researchers isolated bacteria from sewage wastewater that can degrade plastic, with two Pseudomonas strains achieving 25% weight loss of plastic pieces over 120 days. Chemical analysis confirmed the bacteria were breaking down and transforming the plastic polymer bonds. These plastic-eating bacteria could offer a green biotechnology approach to reducing microplastic pollution in wastewater systems.
Enrichment and isolation of micro plastic degrading microorganisms from various natural sources
Researchers isolated microplastic-degrading microorganisms from soil and water samples using mineral salt media with polyethylene and polypropylene as sole carbon sources, successfully identifying four distinct microbial isolates capable of degrading these polymers.
Isolation and Identification of Indigenous Plastic-Degrading Bacteria from Dumai’s Ocean Water of Riau Province
Researchers isolated and identified plastic-degrading bacteria from the coastal waters of Dumai, Indonesia, finding indigenous microbial populations capable of breaking down plastic polymers. Local plastic-degrading bacteria represent a potentially sustainable biological tool for addressing microplastic contamination in affected environments.
A concept for the biotechnological minimizing of emerging plastics, micro- and nano-plastics pollutants from the environment: A review.
This review examined biotechnological strategies for remediating plastics, micro-, and nano-plastics from the environment, cataloguing microbial and enzymatic degradation approaches, discussing their mechanistic basis, and proposing an integrated biotechnology framework for minimizing plastic pollution across terrestrial and aquatic systems.