We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Elucidation of the biodegradation pathways of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate and dimethyl terephthalate under anaerobic conditions revealed by enrichment culture and microbiome analysis
No summary available — this paper's abstract is not included in the open metadata provided by the publisher. Learn why →
More Papers Like This
Fate and Ecological Risk of Phthalate Esters in Microplastics of Wastewater in the Wastewater Treatment Plant
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured phthalate ester concentrations in both the liquid and microplastic fractions throughout a wastewater treatment process, finding that di-n-butyl phthalate and benzyl butyl phthalate in effluent pose high ecological risk across fish, invertebrate, and algal trophic levels. Microplastics in wastewater act as vectors concentrating phthalate esters—known endocrine disruptors—and transporting them into receiving waterways at ecologically dangerous levels.
Microbial Biodegradation of Plastics and Microplastics: Recent Development
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed recent advances in microbial biodegradation of plastics and microplastics, identifying key bacterial and fungal species capable of breaking down synthetic polymers and highlighting the biological mechanisms that could underpin scalable plastic waste remediation strategies.
Review on anaerobic biodegradation of waste bioplastics: Mechanisms, influencing factors, and pretreatment strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review analyzed anaerobic biodegradation mechanisms for bioplastics such as PLA and PHAs, finding that many bioplastics degrade poorly under real anaerobic conditions and that additives can inhibit biodegradation and generate microplastic fragments. The results challenge the 'green' narrative around bioplastics, showing they can persist in waste streams and contribute to microplastic pollution unless degradation processes are carefully tailored to specific material compositions.
Microbial Degradation of HDPE Secondary Microplastics: Preliminary Results
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether marine microbial communities could degrade secondary microplastics made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), reporting preliminary evidence of microbial activity on particle surfaces. While full degradation remains challenging and slow, identifying marine microbes with plastic-degrading potential is an early step toward biological solutions for ocean microplastic pollution.
Biodegradation of Microplastics by Microbes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how microplastic-degrading bacteria break down polymer structures by secreting hydrolytic extracellular enzymes including lipase, keratinase, and cellulases, providing foundational insight into the enzymatic pathways that underpin microbial biodegradation of plastic particles.
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.