Microbes Consume Bags in Ocean Water

Cholera

Recently on Nature.com an article was produced showing how microorganisms in water can biodegrade normal plastic. The microorganisms that are contributing to the global cleanup are vibros bacteria. This bacteria which has contributed to the global cleanup of consumer waste was introduced at the Marine Debris Conference in Hawaii. Marine debris is an overwhelming problem and the pacific garbage patch has been the outcome from the plastic debris which is floating out in the ocean. The vibros bacteria was spotted on polyethylene nurdles(pre-production plastic pellet), the vibros bacteria which has been drilling on the plastic pellet has caused burn like phenomena in the ocean.

BioSphere plastic is studying various forms of bacteria which consume plastic polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene and others, to date over 600 different species of microorganisms can consume plastic and ultimately allow for biodegradation of the plastic articles.

In recent studies we have seen a leveling out of plastic waste found in our oceans, this would explain what is happening as more microbial colonies are consuming hydrocarbons and creating CO2, CH4, Biomass and water.

About Vibrio Bacteria

Vabrio bacteria are gram-negative bacteria which are found mainly in seawater at temperate and tropical temperatures. They are also found in sewage treatment plants. Vibrio are rod-shaped, straight or curved. They are motile organisms, using polar flagellum. Some vibrio bacteria are bioluminescent.

The Vabrio undergo biodegradability of plastic by both respiratory and fermentative metabolism a heterotrophic organism obtaining most of their meals by mutualistic or parasitic relationships with other organisms. They reproduce by asexual division and are rapid growing bacteria. Depending on sodium chloride requirements, most species are oxidase-positive and are sensitive to acidic PH values, but tolerant to alkaline pH values.

BioSphere’s biodegradation mechanisms allows for vibrio to consume polyethylene at a faster rate when these bacteria types are around the plastic that has been treated with BioSphere’s additives.

*Nature.com Article http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110328/full/news.2011.191.html

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