Harnessing Microbes for Sustainable Plastic Production and Degradation

Presenter

Charles Elijah Walker-Hoover

Campus

Springfield Technical Community College

Sponsor

Reena Randhir, Department of Biology, Springfield Technical Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A46, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 3 (A41-A60) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Plastics are an integral part of our lives and in recent years its extensive use has adversely affected our environmental and human health. The objective of this research is to review solutions for our current global plastic crisis and propose innovative solutions. I conducted a detailed systematic literature review by utilizing scholarly databases. This research indicates that since the current plastics are made from fossil fuels they have a high carbon footprint. Further, they persist in the environment since they do not break down. Hence there is an urgent need for biodegradable plastics which can be produced through microbial biotechnology. These plastics would be sustainable. They are made from organic waste using microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and microalgae. Their biodegradability makes them environmentally friendly. These microbes create polymers like Polyhydroxyalkanoates, necessary for the production of biodegradable plastics and interestingly other microbes can break it down. Some current challenges include the high production cost, availability of sustainable biomass, possible acidification, and hence extensive research and waste management technology for bioplastics is necessary. The next steps must include increasing public awareness and commitment to research of these amazing bio-factories to improve human and environmental health.

Keywords

Sustainability, Microbes, BioPlastics, Environmental, BioDegradability

Research Area

Biological Organisms

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