(Kiowa County Press)Dear EarthTalk : Couldn’t we use bacteria to break down plastic in the environment so it isn’t such an ecosystem hazard? Image © iStock - yacobchukScientists initially hoped bacteria would simply attack the plastic surfaces, but the bacteria proved capable of doing much more, going so far as to break plastic down fully and process it into basic nutrients. Bacteria often degrade plastic into nanoplastics, tiny plastic particles that could potentially cause serious health effects in the human body. Some types of bacteria are much too slow; scientists have also determined that bacteria effectively degrade only softened, pre-treated plastic. Ultimately, while bacteria as a plastic waste mitigative method is still in development, recent progressions have demonstrated its strong potential.

Source: The Guardian February 28, 2026 12:15 UTC