Will an Enzyme That Eats Plastic Solve Our Pollution Problem?

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

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential impact of a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic bottles, which was created accidentally by scientists. Participants explore its implications for pollution reduction, the feasibility of global implementation, and concerns regarding ecological effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the enzyme's global implementation, suggesting it may take over a decade for thorough testing and cost-effectiveness to be established.
  • There are concerns about the ecological implications of introducing such an enzyme into the environment, particularly regarding its potential impact on durable goods and existing recycling processes.
  • One participant notes that the enzyme is derived from a bacterium found in a Japanese waste dump, which raises questions about the safety and control of its use in natural settings.
  • Another participant emphasizes the engineered nature of the enzyme, arguing that it may not pose significant risks compared to organisms that could evolve independently.
  • Concerns are raised about the long-term evolutionary consequences if the enzyme or its genetic material were to escape into the wild, potentially leading to unforeseen ecological changes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a mix of curiosity and caution regarding the enzyme's potential, with no clear consensus on its feasibility or safety for widespread use. Multiple competing views remain about the implications of its introduction into the environment.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to the current stage of research, including the need for extensive testing and the economic viability of using the enzyme compared to traditional plastic production methods.

Cosmodi
Messages
8
Reaction score
2
Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles – by accident.

Do you think it will help? How fast it can be implemented worldwide?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
A link would be nice.
 
It is an interesting discovery but, I wouldn't get my hopes up that it would be used on a global scale any time soon (at least 10+ years). It is still in the examination phase and it wouldn't be cheaper than just making more plastic from oil. Even if it was cheaper to recycle with this today, it would still have to be tested thoroughly - which takes time.
 
Cosmodi said:
Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles – by accident.

Do you think it will help? How fast it can be implemented worldwide?
I think they found and investigated a bacterium in a Japanese waste dump that was living off plastic, if I recall correctly.
The enzyme doing the "chewing" was enhanced by the scientists to speed up the process.

Do we want this world wide? In the wild? Certain durable goods might not be so durable anymore.
PET is already recycled.

PS. Britain has plans on prohibiting plastic drinking and stirring straws. Not sure if those are PET, but it sure is a step along the way into eliminating single use packaging and products that have entered the market.
 
256bits said:
Do we want this world wide? In the wild? Certain durable goods might not be so durable anymore.
PET is already recycled.

It's an enzyme, not a bacterial him or other organism. So I don't think more than limited accidents could arise.

Makes you think though. For about 3/4 of a century sensitive things like signals and other electrical cables have been insulated bye various polymer substances, and I don't suppose hardly anyone ever gave a thought they could be attacked by organisms. Once such organisms evolve evolve they'd find plentiful food and should spread like anything! This story shows that they will involve independent of human help. Plus they could also get some human help . To produce this enzyme its gene is engineered into cells which would be cultivated Industrially. With small probability at any time, but a larger one over a larger time, these cells would escape, and then with same small but over time large probability, the relevant gene might get transferred into other cells that could spread and this gene get further improved by natural selection on a large scale. So surely some precautions should be taken, it's early days right now.
 

Similar threads

Breaking down cellulose using impact force
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
12 ton frame lowered on plastic --> What Happens?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Is DIY mist inhaler safe for clearing throat mucus?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Where Did I Go Wrong in My Refraction Problem Solution?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Need help with shredder calculations -- Plastic bottle shredder forces....
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
15K
Undergrad Pulling cable through underground ductwork.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
My glass beer bottle survived a fall from the 10th floor, how, & why?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Medical Harmful substances released by burning plastics?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Can't we just smelt plastic into igneous rocks?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
Storing chemicals on my balcony (storing in changing temps)
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K