The increase in plastic consumption in recent decades has accompanied the modernization of various sectors of society, driven by the functional qualities of this petroleum-derived polymer. However, the environmental impact generated by its indiscriminate use has become a major global concern, especially due to the release of toxic substances into the environment and the material's resistance to natural decomposition.
According to data from the United Nations (UN), Brazil ranks fourth in the world in the generation of plastic waste, behind only the United States, China, and India. This alarming scenario highlights the urgent need to develop effective and sustainable solutions for the treatment and reduction of this waste.
The search for biotechnological alternatives to conventional plastic degradation has been one of the most promising areas of science. Among these, the investigation of the ability of microorganisms to decompose plastic materials through the production of specific enzymes, such as hydrolases and oxidoreductases, stands out; these enzymes are widely applied in the biotechnology industry.
Recently, researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia identified two species of fungi – Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album – present in the soil, with the ability to degrade plastic in a record time of just 140 days. This discovery represents a scientific milestone, as it opens avenues for the creation of scalable and environmentally responsible biological processes for the treatment of plastic waste, with potential applications at an industrial level.
Plastic is a synthetic polymer derived from petrochemical resins, widely used globally due to its versatility, durability, and low cost. Although some types of plastic can be recycled, the reality is that recycling alone has proven insufficient to contain the growing generation of waste from this material.
The decomposition of plastic can take between 100 and 400 years, depending on its composition and shape. This durability is directly associated with its complex chemical structure, which resists the action of natural microorganisms and prevents biodegradation in conventional environments. As a consequence, the accumulation of plastic waste contributes to the degradation of ecosystems, pollution of water bodies, and negative impacts on the health of humans and animals.
Faced with this challenge, it becomes essential to promote behavioral changes and encourage daily practices aimed at reducing the consumption of disposable plastics. Among the strategies recommended by experts and environmentalists, the following stand out:
Such measures, when incorporated systematically, have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental pressure caused by plastic waste, contributing to the conservation of natural resources and the balance of ecosystems.
