Fast way to decompose plastic bags.

  • Thread starter Thread starter matthyaouw
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Plastic
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the potential for using microorganisms to accelerate the decomposition of plastic bags, exploring the implications of this method compared to traditional decomposition and combustion. It touches on biological processes, environmental impacts, and practical considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that identifying specific microorganisms and optimal growth conditions could significantly speed up the degradation of plastic bags.
  • One participant notes that at 37 degrees Celsius, certain microbes can consume a substantial percentage of plastic within a limited timeframe.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of maintaining optimal conditions for microbial growth, including temperature control and the byproducts of the decomposition process.
  • Another participant argues that the organic materials produced by bacteria during plastic consumption would be more beneficial for soil compared to the products of combustion, which are primarily CO2, H2O, and inorganic ash.
  • A question is posed regarding the environmental implications of accelerating the decomposition of fossil-carbon-containing products, suggesting a potential conflict with current environmental priorities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality and environmental implications of using microorganisms for plastic decomposition, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the environmental impact of accelerated decomposition versus traditional methods, nor does it clarify the specific types and volumes of gases produced by the microorganisms.

matthyaouw
Gold Member
Messages
1,125
Reaction score
5
Since plastic does eventually degrade, it must be eaten by microorganisms. If those microorganisms, as well as the optimal conditions for their growth, could be identified, we could put them to work eating the plastic much faster than under normal conditions.

...

At 37 degrees and optimal bacterial concentration, the microbes had consumed 43 percent of a plastic sample within six weeks.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2RcIPs/blogs.discovermagazine.com/discoblog/2008/05/27/its-in-the-bag-teenager-wins-science-fair-solves-massive-environmental-problem/

Ok, interesting, but is this practical? Leaving aside the means by which you'd heat the mix to a cosy 37 degrees, what would be the products of this? The microbes will metabolise and throw out gasses I presume. What sort and in what volumes? Would doing this in the (relative) blink of an eye be in any way worse than just allowing them to decompose the normal (slow) way? How about any worse than just burning them? I'm intrigued to know the implications of this idea.
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
While bacteria do exhale some CO2, they also form a wide variety of organic materials in the process of reproducing. So, the product of their consumption of plastic bags would be far better for the soil than simple combustion.

Combustion, would produce CO2, H20 and inorganic ash. Extremely common and not particularly valuable products.
 
Thanks for the input :)

So what do people think? Is it worth the effort?
 
Isn't our biggest environmental problem currently that we've been decomposing products that contain fossil-carbon much too quickly?

And so now you're advertising a way to decompose another product that contains fossil-carbon much more quickly?
 

Similar threads

What colors and attributes could alien flora & fauna have?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K