Scientists devise sustainable way to remove microplastics from environment

Microbiologists have devised a sustainable way to remove polluting microplastics from the environment using bacteria.

Findings presented on Wednesday at the Microbiology Society’s annual conference are still preliminary but could be vital in paving the way for sustainably lowering plastic pollution levels.

The report said that bacteria naturally tend to group together and stick to surfaces and create an adhesive substance called “biofilm”. Scientists would use the tape-like microbe nets to capture the microplastics.

"It is imperative to develop effective solutions that trap, collect, and even recycle these microplastics to stop the ‘plastification’ of our natural environments," said Sylvia Lang Liu, microbiology researcher at PolyU and lead researcher on this project.

Technology and developments in the fight against climate change is gaining popularity across mainstream investors.

Finding solutions to the plastic litter crisis around the world and the microplastics filtered in the sea is one of the main areas where investors could place their focus on.