Enzymatic Degradation: A Breakthrough Solution for Tackling Plastic Pollution

By: Marisol Vazquez 

Figure 1. Enzymes produced for plastic degradation from various organisms

Enzymatic degradation provides a promising approach to help address the global issue of plastic pollution. Traditional methods for waste management, such as incineration or landfilling, fall short and are not sustainable as they remove plastic pollution from one ecosystem and move it to another, further damaging our planet. Plastics are mostly composed of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers made up of molecules extracted from petroleum oil. Most of this waste comes from manufacturing one-time-use plastic products such as straws, utensils, and bags, which account for nearly 50% of all plastic products.

Scientists have explored utilizing enzymes that have the capacity to break down plastics to help reduce plastic pollution. Organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae have hydrolase, an enzyme capable of degrading plastic. Scientists are now researching the modification and application of the enzyme in high concentrations to keep up with the worldwide increasing plastic pollution.  Plastic pollution affects the environment and lowers its ability to adapt to short or long-term changes such as droughts or wildfires. By isolating microbial species with enzymes such as hydrolase and enhancing their enzymatic activity, we can also reduce the time required to degrade plastic and mitigate chemical pollution. Plastic pollution is now considered chemical pollution.  Plastics in water leech off toxic chemicals such as flame retardants and colorants. These toxic chemicals can further pollute other ecosystems and surrounding waters, including groundwater. The impacts of plastic pollution are extremely evident, especially in marine wildlife, as they are highly susceptible to environmental contaminants in their environment, such as ingesting, choking, and getting entangled by plastic pollution. The ingestion of plastic pollution by marine life makes its way throughout the entire food web, adversely affecting fish health and growth and impacting local social and economic dynamics. The research by Kaushal and colleagues shows that manipulating the active enzymes is a promising method to stabilize and improve the rate at which the enzymes can break down plastics in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Research and implementation of sustainable practices to reduce plastic pollution is vital to the survival of all species. It is evident that we must change our ways and apply methods to ensure a healthier environment for future generations. 

Original Article

Kaushal J, Khatri M, Arya SK. Recent insight into enzymatic degradation of plastics prevalent in the environment: A mini-review. Cleaner engineering and technology. 2021;2(100083):100083. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2666790821000434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2021.100083