Microbes 'could be used in battle against plastic pollution'

Research into marine plastic pollution by a team at the University of Sheffield could have "huge environmental benefits" in the future, it has been claimed.

A study carried out by experts at the institution, as well as representatives from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science revealed that certain microbes could be used to brake down plastics and eliminate toxic chemicals associated with them.

Dr Mark Osborn, senior lecturer in the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield, noted that around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, with a significant proportion of this finding its way into the sea.

"Our research is revealing the potential for marine microbes to colonise plastics and to potentially degrade these key environmental pollutants," he commented.

According to Greenpeace, the scale of plastic pollution in our oceans is "vast" and is having a negative impact on species such as whales, dolphins and turtles.

Written by Joseph Hutton