They found a strain of bacteria in compost that could live completely off of the polyurethane-made plastics, Michael Burkart, another U.C. "In the past, we thought that maybe we needed multiple different microbes working together to biodegrade these materials," Burkart said. And the process -- from manufacturing with algae-based materials to break-down -- is 100% renewable, according to the research. MORE: Plastic recycling directory ends, citing lack of 'real commitment from industry'Accumulation of microplastics in the natural environment is ultimately due to the chemical nature of widely used petroleum-based plastic polymer, the researchers said. Scientists have figured out way to make algae-based plastic that completely decomposes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Source: ABC News May 11, 2024 19:54 UTC