A tiny plant that can digest low intensity plastic sheets

A tiny plant that can digest low intensity plastic sheets

Subject – Science and Tech

Context –Researchers from University of Madras and Presidency College, Chennai, have isolated an alga species that shows promise as an agent of biodegradation of plastic sheets.

Concept –

• Researchers from University of Madras and Presidency College, Chennai, have isolated an alga species that shows promise as an agent of biodegradation of plastic sheets.
• In earlier studies, species of bacteria that degrade plastic have been studied. In the present study, this role is played by the microalga Uronemaafricanum Borge. This is a species of microalgae that is commonly found in Africa, Asia and Europe. In Rangoon, Burma, it was noted to be an epiphyte, attaching itself to other algae and plants.
• “The microalgae produce different kinds of extra cellular polysaccharides, enzymes, toxins such as cyanotoxins, hormones which react with the polymer sheets (polymer bonds) and break them up into the simpler monomers which will not have harmful effect in the atmosphere.”
• The researchers are planning to collaborate with industry to take up this technology in to a pilot scale and finally large-scale study.