University of Waterloo researchers engineer bacteria to eat microplastics. But is it a pipe dream?

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have recently announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against microplastic pollution. Led by project lead researcher Marc Aucoin, a professor in the department of chemical engineering, the team has successfully introduced a new trait into bacteria found in wastewater, giving them the ability to break down microplastics.

Aucoin explained that bacteria already exist in water systems to clean up microplastics and described them as “biorobots that can be programmed to get the job done.” The study, titled “Degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics by wastewater bacteria engineered via conjugation,” was published in the U.S.-based journal Microbial Biotechnology.

The researchers utilized a natural process known as “bacterial sex,” where bacteria share genetic material with each other during multiplication. By engineering bacteria to carry a transferable piece of DNA, the team was able to equip the bacteria in wastewater with the ability to produce a tool to degrade plastic.

The engineered bacteria have shown promising results in biodegrading polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic found in various products. In laboratory tests, the protein introduced into the bacteria was able to degrade a sample of plastic by 50% in just four days.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. These microplastics can accumulate in the environment, leach chemicals, and pose a threat to ecosystems and human health. Recent studies have even found microplastics in human arteries, raising concerns about potential health risks associated with plastic pollution.

While the engineered bacteria show great potential in addressing microplastic pollution, Aucoin emphasized that further research is needed to optimize their effectiveness. The team plans to focus on wastewater treatment plants as a safer application for the engineered bacteria, as these facilities are designed to neutralize bacteria before discharging water back into the environment.

Karen Wirsig, the plastics program manager for Environmental Defence, cautioned against viewing this research as a quick solution to the plastic pollution crisis. She stressed the importance of reducing plastic production and consumption to prevent further environmental damage from microplastics.

Overall, the breakthrough by the University of Waterloo researchers represents a significant step forward in the fight against microplastic pollution. By harnessing the power of bacteria to biodegrade plastics, this innovative approach has the potential to mitigate the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment and human health.