A ‘groundbreaking’ study led by the University of Stirling has uncovered the ‘crucial’ roles of bacteria living on plastic debris.
The research, led by Stirling’s faculty of natural sciences, also identified rare and understudied bacteria that it said could assist in plastic biodegradation – offering new insights for tackling plastic pollution.
Working alongside the University of Mons in Belgium, the learning institute analysed proteins in plastic samples taken from Gullane Beach in East Lothian. Unlike previous studies carried out in warmer climates that focus on the genetic potential of biofilms inhabiting plastics, the research took a unique approach by analysing the proteins expressed by active micro-organisms.
The findings have unveiled a ‘remarkable’ discovery of enzymes actively engaged in degrading plastic. Moreover, the team has pioneered new methodologies for enhanced predictions in marine microbiology research.
Dr Matallana-Surget, who led the study, said, “Plastic pollution has reached critical levels in the marine environment, with trillions of individual plastic pieces estimated to be distributed throughout the world’s oceans.
“This plastic causes significant ecological and socioeconomic disruption as it accumulates in oceanic gyres, coastal habitats, and is ingested by fish, sea birds, and marine mammals.
“Micro-organisms rapidly colonise the surface of plastic pollution when it enters the environment, and their complex ecological interactions can shape the fate of plastic in marine systems.
“Understanding the function and ecology of microorganisms colonising plastic pollution is therefore vital to adequately assess the risks of marine plastic pollution and to pave the way for biodiscovery beyond plastic biodegradation.”
The university added that the study underscores the necessity for further research to determine the function of micro-organisms colonising marine plastic pollution across larger geographic area.
Driven by Dr Matallana-Surget’s ambition to comprehend and analyse diverse locations, future investigations hold promise in shaping the production of plastics towards greater environmental sustainability, the learning institute added.
Dr Matallana-Surget continued, “Our study addresses a critical gap in our understanding of the ecological roles of the micro-organisms colonising marine plastic pollution.
“Few studies have determined which metabolic pathways are expressed by these micro-organisms, especially within colder climates.
“Our approach used state-of-the-art comparative metaproteomics and multi-omics to resolve not only which micro-organisms were present on marine plastic pollution, but also which microorganisms were active.
“This is important because some micro-organisms colonising plastic pollution are known to degrade hydrocarbons and other pollutants.”
