Developed under the SMEP-funded GIVO-Warwick project, lead by the University of Warwick, the below study investigates the role of microorganisms in the degradation of plastics.

The accumulation of polyurethane plastics (PU-PS) in the environment is on the rise, posing potential risks to the health and function of ecosystems. However, little is known about the degradation behaviour of PU-PS in the environment, especially water environment. To address this knowledge gap, the study team investigated and isolated a degrading strain of Streptomyces sp. B2 from the surface of polyurethane coatings. Subsequently, a photoreactor was employed to simulate the degradation process of bio-based polyurethane (BPU) and petroleum-based polyurethane (PPU) under three conditions, including single microorganism (SM), single light exposure (SL), and combined light exposure/microorganism action (ML) in aqueous solution.

This study unveils the significant role of microorganisms in plastic degradation and the underlying degradation mechanisms of BPU, providing a novel strategy for polyurethane degradation and valuable information for comprehensive assessment of the behaviour and fate of MPs in the environment.