According to a report by AFP on May 18, an international team of scientists has discovered plastic-eating bacteria and fungi in salt marshes off the coast of Jiangsu, my country, according to a study published on the 18th, bringing new possibilities for global waste management .

Kew Gardens, Kew, said in a statement that "184 fungal strains and 55 bacterial strains" capable of breaking down a variety of plastics were found in Jiangsu province.

Chinese and British researchers collected microbial samples in May 2021 in Dafeng District, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province.

Researchers have discovered a unique "Plastosphere" known as an "artificial niche," an ecosystem that has evolved to coexist with coastal plastic debris.

"Scientists are increasingly focusing on micro-organisms such as fungi and bacteria to help tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including growing plastic pollution," Kew Gardens said in a statement.

The new discovery advances existing research on plastic-degrading microbes, the statement said. So far, related research has found about 436 species of fungi and bacteria that can break down plastic.

"Scientists and research partners at Kew believe their latest discovery will lead to the development of enzymes that can efficiently biodegrade plastic waste," the statement said.

According to a recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme, in 2020, the world generated about 238 million tons of waste from short-lived plastics (such as plastic packaging that ended up in municipal waste bins), about half of which was mishandled, such as dumped in environment or be incinerated.

Later this month, representatives from nearly 200 countries will meet in Paris for a new round of talks seeking to reach a legal agreement to end plastic pollution by next year. (Source: Reference News)