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Plastic-eating bacteria discovered in the ocean
(www.sciencedaily.com)
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this post was submitted on 06 Mar 2026
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Earth, Environment, and Geosciences
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The bacteria release carbon during the decomposition process. So this isn't a "solution" in any meaningful respect. It's an instance of evolution at work, as a surplus resource becomes a food source for innovative organisms.
Also, we look at this as some kind of "clean-up". In reality, this is a threat to one of our most useful durable materials. It'll likely lead to the development of antiseptics to kill these bacteria colonies, as the last thing anyone with a hard plastic shell on their vehicle or appliance or equipment wants is a colony of plastic-eaters deteriorating it.