The discovery that the fungus *Parengyodontium album* can degrade polyethylene,
The discovery that the fungus Parengyodontium album can degrade polyethylene, the most abundant type of plastic in the ocean, offers a promising solution to the global plastic pollution problem, particularly in marine environments like the North Pacific Ocean.
Background on Parengyodontium album:
Parengyodontium album is a white, thread-like fungus that has been found thriving on litter floating in the North Pacific Ocean. This type of environment suggests that the fungus is naturally adapted to marine conditions, which may include exposure to saltwater, sunlight, and other environmental factors that are common in the ocean.
The Role of Polyethylene in Plastic Pollution:
Polyethylene is one of the most widely produced plastics globally and is used in a variety of products, such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging materials. Due to its durability and resistance to degradation, polyethylene accumulates in the environment, particularly in the ocean, where it poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems.
The Research Conducted by Annika Vaksmaa and Her Team:
Annika Vaksmaa and her colleagues at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research conducted laboratory experiments to test the ability of Parengyodontium album to break down polyethylene. They found that this fungus can indeed degrade polyethylene, but there is a crucial condition for this process to occur effectively.
The Role of UV Radiation:
The experiments revealed that Parengyodontium album can only degrade polyethylene after the plastic has been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as that from sunlight. UV radiation initiates the breakdown of the plastic, making it more susceptible to further degradation by the fungus. This suggests that while the fungus alone is not enough to break down fresh or unweathered polyethylene, it plays a significant role in the further degradation of plastic that has been exposed to environmental conditions, like sunlight.
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"Wow, what an incredible discovery! 🌊👍 The fact that Parengyodontium album can break down polyethylene is a game-changer for our oceans and marine life. I'd love to hear more about this research and how it could be scaled up to make a bigger impact. Can we discuss the potential applications of this fungus in reducing plastic pollution? And thank you, @AnnikaVaksmaa, for sharing your team's work with us! 💚 By the way, have you voted for our witness @xpilar.witness yet? 🤔 You can do it by going to https://steemitwallet.com/~witnesses and showing some love. Let's keep supporting this amazing community together!"