Scientists Use Fungi to Break Down BPA
Indian scientists Mukesh Doble and Trishul Artham have determined that plastics containing Bisphenol A (BPA) are able to decompose faster that untreated plastics, which may provide a solution for how to dispose of these products, according to ScienceDaily.
The experiment involved adding three different kinds of fungi to both types of plastic and evaluating the growth after one year. The scientists claim that BPA helped improve fungal growth because it was an additional source of energy. Additional fungi allow the plastic to break down quicker.
The verdict is still out on the actual health effects of BPA, but new disposal options are crucial for reducing the environmental impact of these hard-to-recycle plastics. Photo: Flickr/cocolima
This process also allows for the polycarbonate to be decomposed without the chemical being released into the environment.
BPA is a plastic additive used in the production of polycarbonate plastics. It helps provide durability and flexibility to plastics and is incorporated into products like food packaging and car bumpers.
Many of the products that use BPA are not recyclable with other plastics in curbside programs, and ScienceDaily estimates that 2.7 million tons of plastics containing BPA are produced each year. Finding a way to decompose this plastic would provide an alternative to recycling.
Last year, a similar process was discovered that used bacteria from mealworm beetles to help break down expanded polystyrene. This is another difficult-to-recycle plastic that is used in high demand for consumer products due to its light weight and ability to insulate.
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Plastics are so darn eco-friendly : Blisstree - Family, Health, Home and Lifestyles
posted on February 11th, 2010 at 1:06 am
[...] BPA are not recyclable with other plastics in curbside programs, and one major study estimates that 2.7 million tons of plastics containing BPA are produced each year. Lastly consider that all those plastic bottles and bags that [...]
Carolyn
posted on August 6th, 2010 at 4:27 am
Thank you Trey for enlightening me. Now I understand why BPA is allowed in food grade plastics. It is better for the landfills (because it breaks plastic down faster) and it will decrease the need for recycling (because the plastic can now go to landfill where it will breakdown). Thats all very good however, research also shows that BPA is carcinogic (causing cancers in animals and people) and many manufacturers are opting to use BPA free plastics. People are becoming more aware and are not going to put up with the shinanagins of the those who seek gain without thought of conseuences to others. I’m getting rid of any and all plastics that are not labelled BPA free including my water filters and containers that are not labelled. I’ve checked into the acrylics and so far they seem to be better (as in “safer”) considering that they don’t leak BPA.
Atho we can opt to use other materials, plastics will probably be around in our futures for a while yet so anybody out there have some other solutions for safe food grade plastics for those of us who will choose to “live with it?”