Plastic Biodegradation Through Algae Species

In Context

• Researchers from the University of Madras and Presidency College, Chennai, have discovered an alga species that shows promise as an agent of biodegradation of plastic sheets. 

Key Points

• About:
  • The alga identified is microalga Uronema africanum Borge. This is a species of microalgae that is commonly found in Africa, Asia and Europe.
  • The isolated algae Uronema africanum produced enzymes, hormones, and some polysaccharides which slowly degraded (the sheets), and the structural integrity of the polymer (breaks down) and disintegrates into monomers.
  • Abrasions were seen on the surface of the polyethylene sheet at different magnifications.
    • Low-density polyethylene is highly resistant to degradation.
  • The study concluded that the microalga has initiated degradation of the polyethylene sheet within 30 days of incubation.
• Significance:
  • The identified algae could be used as an agent of biodegradation of plastic sheets and thus it offers a solution to Plastic pollution in India.

Plastic pollution in India

• About:
  • According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s annual report for the year 2011-12, the plastic waste generated in a year amounted to 5.6 million metric tonnes. 
  • Only 60% of the plastic used in India was collected and recycled.
  • The metros alone contributed some 21.2% of the total waste, led by Delhi, followed by Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.
• Disposal of Plastic Waste in India:
  • The usual means of disposal of plastic waste involves incineration, land-filling and recycling. 
  • Many conventional methods of polyethylene degradation include:
    • UV photooxidation, 
    • thermal oxidation, incineration,
    • chemical oxidation and 
    • landfill is being practised. 
  • These methods have limitations and also sometimes produce side effects that are hazardous to the environment.  
  • Hence there has been an emphasis on biodegradation methods that are safe and environment friendly.

Some Initiatives in tackling Plastic Pollution

• Swachh Bharat Mission
• India Plastics Pact
• Project REPLAN
• Un-Plastic Collective
• GoLitter Partnerships Project

• India has won global acclaim for its “Beat Plastic Pollution” resolution

declared on World Environment Day 2018(in which India was the global host), under which it pledged to eliminate single-use plastic by 2022. 

• At the fourth United Nations Environment Assembly in 2019, India piloted a resolution on addressing pollution caused by single-use plastic products.

Source: TH