We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics by bacterial communities from activated sludge
Summary
Bacterial communities from activated sludge were shown to grow on PET microplastics as a sole carbon source and achieved measurable biodegradation of heat-pretreated PET fragments in a standardized CO₂ evolution test, identifying activated sludge as a source of PET-degrading microbes.
Abstract The emerging accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in global waters is of increasing concern and it is posing great health risks to both humans and aquatic species, yet suitable technologies to remove MPs are lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate activated sludge as a source of promising biocatalysts for the removal of MPs in water. Bacterial communities in activated sludge were first screened for their potential to degrade hydrolyzable plastics from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pre‐treated at 100°C for 1 hour. The consortium grew on a mineral medium with PET MPs as the sole carbon and energy source. To further assess its degrading potential, the consortium was put through a standardized CO 2 evolution test at a temperature of 30°C, pH 7‐7.5, reactor residence time 168 days, and PET concentration of 2.63 g/L. The biodegradation extent was further validated through assessment of morphological/structural changes on the PET by means of SEM, DSC, FTIR, and viscometry analyses. Upon incubation, the consortium degraded 17% of PET. The molecular weight remained unchanged, reflecting a degradation via surface erosion. Furthermore, the biodegradation was significantly enhanced at high oxygen flow rates. Two bacterial strains within the consortium were isolated and identified as Bacillus cereus SEHD031MH and Agromyces mediolanus PNP3. Both strains thrived when individually cultured with PET while only B. cereus showed enzymatic activity during a clear‐zone test. The examined bacterial strains possess a promising PET‐degrading activity that can be further investigated and applied to the elimination of MPs water/wastewater through innovative and effective technologies.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Biodegradation of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Microplastics by Baceterial Communities From Activated Sludge
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
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.
Insights into the microbial response of anaerobic granular sludge during long-term exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics
Researchers investigated how polyethylene terephthalate microplastics affect anaerobic granular sludge used in wastewater treatment over 84 days. The study found that at relatively low concentrations, PET microplastics had minimal impact, but at higher concentrations they disrupted the microbial community structure and reduced the efficiency of the anaerobic treatment process.
Marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria breakdown poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)
Scientists used microcosm studies to investigate whether marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria can break down PET plastic, finding that specific bacterial strains could colonize and degrade PET surfaces, offering insights into natural plastic biodegradation in the ocean.
Current Knowledge on Polyethylene Terephthalate Degradation by Genetically Modified Microorganisms
This review covers genetically modified microorganisms engineered to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, examining how bioengineering of enzymes such as PETase and enhanced expression systems can overcome the low biodegradation rates of wild-type microorganisms toward this ubiquitous plastic.