Summery Reader Respond Draft 2

 

In the article “Plastic-eating Enzyme Could Eliminate Billions of Tons of Landfill Waste” (UT News, 2022), Scientists from University of Texas at Austin have discovered a plastic-eating enzyme that could potentially eliminate tons of plastic waste and a step forward in conserving our enviroment. The enzyme, Ideonella Sakaiensis, has the ability to break down one of the most commonly used plastic, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), within 24 hours. It was first discovered in a recycling center located in Japan, which was modified to become more efficient in breaking down plastic. As more time is put into further development, researchers are optimistic that the enzyme can be used on a wider scale during the industrial recycling process. Although PET is use everywhere around us, it is not biodegradable and takes beyond a human’s lifespan to breakdown. This leads to an abundant of environmental issues and plastic waste accumulated on the planet. There are still plans to continue improving the enzyme to use in breaking down more variety of plastics and much more efficiently. Plastic pollution is a growing concern in our world, with billions of tons of plastic waste generated annually and much of it ending up in the oceans, causing harm to marine life and the ecosystem. Plastic-eating bacteria and enzymes show promise in addressing this problem. In this article,we are addressing on the gravity of plastic pollution, break through in the research and development and also the downsights of the enzyme.

Plastic pollution has become a major issue in our modern world, with billions of tons of plastic waste generated annually (Freethink, 2021). Much of this waste ends up in the oceans, causing harm to marine life and the ecosystem (New Atlas, 2021). New developments in the field of plastic-eating bacteria and enzymes show promise in solving this problem and addressing plastic pollution.

Ideonella sakaiensis, a type of plastic-eating bacteria, has been discovered that can break down plastic in a matter of weeks (Freethink, 2021). This bacteria feed on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is commonly used in water bottles, clothing, and packaging materials, by secreting enzymes that break down the plastic into its building blocks (Freethink, 2021).

A new enzyme, called PETase, has been discovered that can break down plastic in just 24 hours (New Atlas, 2021). This enzyme was discovered in a Japanese recycling plant and has the ability to break down PET into its building blocks (New Atlas, 2021). The discovery of this fast-acting enzyme holds great promise in addressing plastic pollution.

Another ezyme called PHBH, has been developed that can break down plastics more efficiently than previously discovered enzymes (ASME, 2021). This enzyme has been found to be effective in breaking down a range of plastic materials, including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are commonly used in the production of biodegradable plastics (ASME, 2021).

The potential of plastic-eating bacteria and enzymes in addressing plastic pollution is significant, with new and innovative ways being developed to tackle this growing problem. Further research and development in this field is necessary to fully realize the potential of these technologies, including the identification of new strains of plastic-eating bacteria, the development of new and more efficient enzymes, and testing these technologies at a larger scale. Governments and industries should invest in these technologies to support their development and bring them to market as soon as possible.

However, Research studies have pointed out the release of toxic byproducts during the degradation process, which could harm the environment more than the plastic waste itself, and these byproducts are untested in the environment. Additionally, the separation of decomposed plastic monomers from other substances adds to the cost and time involved in breaking down plastic, making the process less commercially viable (rts, 2021).

Further research and development in the field of plastic-eating bacteria and enzymes is recommended to fully realize the potential of these technologies in addressing plastic pollution. This includes the identification of new strains of plastic-eating bacteria, the development of new and more efficient enzymes, and testing these technologies at a larger scale. Additionally, it is recommended that governments and industries invest in these technologies to support their development and bring them to market as soon as possible.

Reference List:

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). (2021). A new enzyme eats plastics. Retrieved from https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/a-new-enzyme-eats-plastics

Freethink. (2021). Plastic eating bacteria. Retrieved from https://www.freethink.com/energy/plastic-eating-bacteria

New Atlas. (2021). Fast-acting enzyme degrades plastics in just 24 hours. Retrieved from https://newatlas.

Rts. (2021) Plastic eating bacteria - A new solution for plastic waste or just science fiction? Retrieved from https://www.rts.com/blog/plastic-eating-bacteria-a-new-solution-for-plastic-waste-or-just-science-fiction/

 

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Summery Draft 2

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