Ocean Bacteria Evolving to Eat and Produce Plastics

Enzyme motif reveals how plastic-munching bacteria are evolving across the seven seas

Deep within the world's oceans lurk marine bacteria armed with plastic-munching enzymes, their evolution seemingly sculpted by our synthetic castaways.

Plastic-eating bacteria discovered in the ocean

Beneath the ocean’s surface, bacteria have evolved specialized enzymes that can digest PET plastic, the material used in bottles and clothes. Researchers at KAUST discovered that a unique molecular signature distinguishes enzymes capable of efficiently breaking down plastic. Found in nearly 80% of ocean samples, these PETase variants show nature’s growing adaptation to human pollution.

Scientists Discover Ocean Bacteria That Feast on Plastic

A newly discovered enzyme motif reveals how ocean microbes are evolving to digest plastic, potentially aiding future cleanup efforts. Hidden in the depths of the ocean, scientists have discovered marine bacteria equipped with enzymes that can consume plastic, their evolution shaped by humanity’s discarded waste. According to a global study by researchers at KAUST, these [...]

Ocean Yields Plastic-Eating Bacteria Discovery

Far beneath the ocean's surface, researchers have found bacteria that can digest plastic, using specialized enzymes that evolved alongside humanity's

Environmental News Network - Plastic-Munching Bacteria Found Across the Seven Seas

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