Fungi that can "eat" plastic have been found in the ocean!

Fungi that will save humanity? This is not fiction - it is a scientific fact!

Plastic waste has become one of the most painful problems for all of humanity. Every year, hundreds of thousands of trucks of plastic are dumped into the oceans. They do not decompose, over the years they turn into microplastics, endangering the lives of aquatic animals. But a way has been found to stop this disaster. Who do you think? - Fungi!

What is it about?

Scientists from the University of Hawaii tested 68 species of wood-decomposing marine fungi. The goal is to teach them to "eat" plastic!

During the study, scientists applied polyurethane (a type of plastic found in foam rubber, medical coatings, and various industrial products) to containers and observed which type of fungus could break it down the fastest.

The results were surprising!

60 percent of the fungi tested successfully broke down the plastic!

Some species increased this ability by 15 percent within three months.

“We got unexpectedly positive results. The fungi adapted so quickly that in the future they could be actively used in the plastic cleaning process.”

A powerful weapon against plastic!

Although various methods are currently being used to clean the oceans of plastic, natural decomposers - biological agents such as fungi - may become one of the most effective ways.

Nature will find its own solution! Such discoveries in the direction of eliminating plastic waste in our oceans are one of the most important scientific achievements of our time. If such fungi were used on a large scale, humanity could save not only water resources, but also the entire planet!

Question for Zamin.uz fans:
If you had the opportunity, what initiative would you take to protect nature? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!