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Some bacteria that can break down plastics and microplastics.

Right now, the best-studied examples are:

1. Ideonella sakaiensis :

Discovery:
Identified in 2016 at a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) recycling plant in Sakai, Japan.

2. Pseudomonas & Bacillus strains

Discovery & Habitat:
Found widely in soil, freshwater, and marine environments, members of the Pseudomonas and Bacillus genera are among the most studied bacteria for plastic biodegradation.

3. Alcanivorax borkumensis (marine bacterium)

Discovery & Habitat:
Identified in the North Sea near Borkum, Germany. Alcanivorax borkumensis is a marine bacterium that naturally thrives in seawater, especially after oil spills.

4. Genetically engineered bacteria • Researchers are modifying bacteria to

Instead of relying solely on naturally occurring microbes, scientists can modify bacteria using genetic engineering and synthetic biology to enhance their ability to degrade plastics. This involves inserting genes that encode plastic-degrading enzymes or optimizing metabolic pathways for more efficient breakdown.

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