Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris’ Post

I’m proud to share our latest publication, “Construction of versatile plastic-degrading microbial consortia based on ligninolytic microorganisms associated with agricultural waste composting”, in Environmental Pollution🌱🔬 This study highlights the agricultural waste composting process as an ideal source for bioprospecting plastic-degrading microorganisms. 🧫✨ By isolating ligninolytic fungi and bacteria, we were able to create artificial microbial consortia with enhanced enzymatic activity to break down a variety of plastics, including polyethylene, PET, and polystyrene. 🌱🔬 Furthermore, we demonstrate that microbial consortia are more efficient in plastic biodegradation than pure cultures, showcasing the power of microbial synergy in addressing plastic pollution more effectively. 🧬♻️ These findings underscore the role of ligninolytic enzymes in tackling plastic pollution. This publication also marks a significant milestone in my PhD journey, fulfilling the requirements for my thesis defense after nearly five years of research. 🎓💡 I’m deeply grateful to the Universidad de Almería and the BIO-175 Microbiology Research Group for their unwavering support. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dj9DDURy Here’s to the endless potential of scientific exploration and innovation! 🌍🔍 #PlasticDegradation #Bioremediation #Bioprospecting #MicrobialConsortia #LigninolyticEnzymes #Sustainability #EnvironmentalScience #PhDJourney #CircularEconomy

🌱 The Hidden Impact of Microplastics on Soil Health 🌱 🔬#Plastic contamination in agricultural soils is a growing concern, partly due to the widespread use of plastic #mulching films. The latest study by our Papillons’ partner from the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) - Suomen ympäristökeskus (Syke) investigates the impact of #microplastics from conventional polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable PBAT mulching films on the #earthworms Eisenia andrei, which significantly contribute to soil-based ecosystem services, and are often termed as ‘ecosystem engineers’ 🪱. 💡Key results reveal that both types of microplastics affect earthworm health and #soil properties, but in distinct ways :  🔹Growth: PE microplastics led to a decrease in earthworm biomass at higher concentrations, while PBAT microplastics promoted growth at lower concentrations. 🔹Oxidative Stress: oxidative stress occurred at environmentally relevant concentrations of both microplastic types. 🔹Soil Impact: at higher concentrations, both microplastic types increased soil pH and water-holding capacity, potentially altering soil chemistry and contributing to the observed effects on earthworms. These findings emphasize the need for further research to understand the ecological risks posed by microplastic pollution in agricultural soils. 🌍 Read the full study here : https://lnkd.in/dkGFVDRv Luca Nizzetto Valentina Elena Tartiu FARM EUROPE Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) - Suomen ympäristökeskus (Syke) Natural Resources Institute Finland / Luonnonvarakeskus

I am happy to share our new journal article, “Use of alfalfa cellulose for formulation of strong, biodegradable film to extend the shelf life of strawberries” published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (https://lnkd.in/gX5_Xzzc). This is my fourth research paper from my PhD. Here is a link to download it with 50 days of free access: https://lnkd.in/gs5axUkD. I thank my advisor Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy, for his guidance and support in accomplishing this achievement. #Alfalfa is a widely cultivated #forage crop (#Queenforage) known for its high #nutritional value and soil-enriching properties. However, alfalfa field residues are underutilized. Herein, we collected alfalfa residues and extracted valuable #cellulosic material, demonstrating its potential to address #plastic #pollution and #extend the #shelflife of #strawberries by preparing #biodegradable #packaging #film. This #innovation offers a #sustainable solution for #plastic replacement and reduces the impact of #microplastics and #nanoplastics. We believe this outcome supports a #circular #bioeconomy, creating a #win-win situation for #farmers and the #environment. #Alfalfa #cellulose #biodegradable #packaging #film #strawberries #sustainable #circularbioeconomy #plastics #microplastics #nanoplastics #USDA #NationalAlfalfaandForageAlliance #NAFA #NIFA #ARS South Dakota State University #FunctionalCarbohydrateLab #SDSU

Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental concern and in this article, co-authored by Tobias, the researchers used #microsensors to investigate how different types of MPs impact isopods and their gut #microbes. While the overall health of the isopods was not harmed after eight weeks of MPs exposure, they did avoid food containing polystyrene (PS). Interestingly, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) increased the activity of gut microbes, leading to higher #hydrogen emissions, while non-biodegradable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) reduced it. These findings highlight how MPs pollution could alter soil ecosystems by affecting microbial processes and isopod behavior, potentially impacting the entire food web. Read the full article and learn how the #researchers applied microsensors to measure #oxygen, hydrogen, and pH in the guts of isopods: https://lnkd.in/d2Eup6uv

𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬. 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗗𝗙 𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: https://lnkd.in/d_cB3wEt Biodegradable mulch films have been on the market for over 15 years, supported by extensive scientific and technical knowledge, and are widely accepted by European farmers growing fruits and vegetables. These films are crucial in modern agriculture, offering benefits such as increased crop yields, improved quality, better weed control, and reduced water irrigation and pesticide use. At the end of the crop cycle, they can be left on the field and ploughed under, reducing agricultural plastic waste and minimizing soil pollution. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Biodegradable Mulch Film market, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to assist readers in developing growth strategies, evaluating market competition, understanding their current position, and making informed business decisions. *𝗕𝘆 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Starch-based, Starch Blend with PLA, Others *𝗕𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Fruits and Vegetables, Grains, Horticultural, Others *𝗕𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa *𝗕𝘆 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀: BASF, Novamont, Organix Solutions, Biobag International, PLASTIROLL, Plastika Kritis, RKW Group, IRIS Polymers Industries Pvt. Ltd., Kingfa, Biolegeen Biodegradable Material Technology Co.,Ltd. #BiodegradableMulchFilms #SustainableAgriculture #EcoFriendlyFarming #AgriculturalPlastics #SoilHealth #WeedControlSolutions #CropYieldEnhancement #PlasticWasteReduction #AgriInnovation #MulchFilmTechnology #EnvironmentalSustainability #OrganicFarmingMaterials #CompostableMulch #WaterConservation #PesticideReduction #AgroEcoSolutions #ModernFarmingTools #SoilPollutionControl #RenewableAgriculture #GreenFarmingTech

Hi everyone! I just finished reading an interesting scientific article. Each day I'll share information about research. #science #lifesciences #biology Ndotono, E.W., Tanga, C.M., Kelemu, S. et al. Mitogenomic profiling and gut microbial analysis of the newly identified polystyrene-consuming lesser mealworm in Kenya. Sci Rep 14, 21370 (2024). https://lnkd.in/e_mj3Crv Plastic waste is a persistent environmental issue that negatively impacts ecosystem health and continues to worsen due to the reliance on the material. A newly discovered insect from Kenya, the lesser mealworm, has been shown to consume polystyrene—a common type of plastic. This study explores the gut microbiome of the lesser mealworm and how its microbial composition may aid in plastic biodegradation. Mitogenome analysis revealed that this species of mealworm is clustered with genus 𝘈𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘶𝘴. For mealworms that were fed only polystyrene, the gut microbial community consisted of 𝘒𝘭𝘶𝘺𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢, 𝘒𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢, and 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳, which could potentially contribute to plastic digestion. Further research is needed to understand specific enzymatic reactions occurring to break down the plastics and to fully characterize the role of specific gut microbes present. 

How can we deal with #plastic pollution? In my latest news feature for Nature Biotechnology, I investigate the biotechs who are engineering plastic-eating bacteria and fungi. These microbes have naturally evolved to eat plastic and can be genetically engineered to do this more efficiently. Plastic-eating bacteria were first discovered digesting bottles in a recycling plant in Japan and several species have now been discovered. Plastic-eating enzymes, safely extracted from bacteria and fungi, are now being used by CARBIOS in France, who will soon open the world's first biorecycling plant for plastic bottles and clothes, using them to churn out shampoo and body lotion bottles for L'Occitane and L'Oreal. Similar #bioremediation approaches using microbes and their enzymes (or even engineered plants) can remove petroleum from contaminated soil or 'forever chemicals' such as PFAS from water. Read more about how bacteria and fungi are being used for bioremediation in my news feature for Nature Biotechnology Nature Portfolio. Huge thanks to everyone who spoke to me for this story: Jillian Banfield, Ronan McCarthy, Alain Marty at CARBIOS, Peyman Salehian (Ph.D.) at Allozymes, Rob Finn, Susie Dai and Byong Hun Jeon. #bacteria #fungi #biotechnology #plasticpollution #microplastics https://lnkd.in/edWhx5cy