Organisms that could solve the worlds waste problem

• Scientists from Yale University have discovered a fungi that can eat and essentially degrade plastic or more precisely polyurethane (PUR).
• The fungi was found in the Amazon rain forest and could act as a significant weapon against the growing issue of waste management within which PUR is a substantial contributor.
• Their findings have been published in the article ‘Biodegradation of Polyester Polyurethane by Endophytic Fungi’ for the Applied and Environmental Microbiology journal.
• This type of research is indicative of considerable progress in bioremediation where biological processes are used to break down a variety of pollutants.

Whilst the fungi are a useful source for bioremediation, more research would be needed to ascertain the aggressiveness of the fungi and the potential risks associated with its use.

For more information, visit: http://tinyurl.com/7fnemje