🔍 Introduction: Plastic, wastewater and unexpected allies

In 2023, Finnish researchers from the University of Oulu and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland announced the discovery of a new strain of bacteria capable of biodegrading microplastics. It was given the name Plasticibacter clarus. This discovery has generated tremendous interest because it could revolutionize the way treatment plants deal with plastic pollution.

🧫 What is Plasticibacter clarus?

The new strain probably belongs to the family Comamonadaceae. It is distinguished by its ability to PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) depolymerization - That is, the decomposition of microplastics under real conditions, typical of a wastewater treatment plant. The bacterium not only survives in the presence of plastic, but actively "eats" it.

🔬 History of discovery

The discovery began with microbiological monitoring of activated sludge at one of the treatment plants. The researchers noticed an unusual decrease in the number of PET particles. Proteomic analysis indicated the activity of enzymes previously unknown in this environment. After isolation and testing, their ability to degrade plastic was confirmed.

⚙️ How does it work?

The bacterium uses enzymes such as PET-ase and MHET-ase. The process is as follows:

1. Adsorption of plastic
2. Hydrolysis of PET chains
3. Monomer absorption
4. Metabolism to biomass, CO₂ and water

Under laboratory conditions, the process takes from several hours to several days, depending on the size of the particle and environmental conditions.

🌍 Why is it important?

• Wastewater treatment plants are a major point of microplastic emissions into the environment.
• Standard filtration methods are ineffective against nanoplastics.
• Biotechnology offers the possibility of biological neutralization of this pollution.

🧪 Application tests

Plasticibacter clarus tested under various conditions:

• Laboratory reactors - 62% degradation of PET in 72h
• Pilot bioreactors - about 34% in 7 days
• Effectiveness dependent on temperature, pH and oxygen availability

⚠️ Risks and regulations

• GMO Risks - future modifications may require special permits.
• Biological stability - Competition with other bacteria in activated sludge.
• Lack of regulation - There is still no legal framework for such organisms in treatment plants.

🤖 The future of technology

• Bioreactors for plastic only
• Data integration with SCADA and AI systems
• Miniaturization of sensors and biological chambers
• Commercialization: bacteria starter kits for wastewater treatment plants

📚 Sources and publications

• Van der Meer, J. R., Belkin, S. (2010). Nature Reviews Microbiology
• Chatterjee, A., Gupta, P. (2021). Environmental Research
• Phys.org - Plastic-degrading bacteria discovered in wastewater
• ACS Axial - Plastic-eating enzymes in wastewater treatment
• VTT Research Center - Internal Reports (2023-2024).

💬 Summary

Plasticibacter clarus This is not science fiction. It's a real hope for reducing microplastic emissions from wastewater treatment plants. Biology may prove to be the missing link in the fight against plastic - especially where mechanical and chemical technologies fail. A small bacterium from a Finnish activated sludge plant could inspire the entire industry to think differently. And act more effectively.

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