In a significant step toward addressing the global plastic waste crisis, German researchers have discovered freshwater fungi that can feed solely on certain types of synthetic plastic. Found in Lake Stechlin, the fungi are capable of breaking down polyurethane a widely used plastic in construction materials and foams offering a natural, eco-friendly way to tackle plastic pollution.
The discovery was made by scientists at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, who studied 18 strains of microfungi living in aquatic habitats. Among them, four strains demonstrated a remarkable ability to thrive without any other carbon source, feeding entirely on synthetic polymers. These fungi not only survived but actually grew biomass while consuming plastic, signaling an evolved adaptation to the plastic-laden environments they now inhabit.
Polyurethane is one of the more commonly used, but also more chemically complex, plastics. That these fungi could digest it effectively has sparked optimism. However, the study also revealed their limitations the fungi were far less successful at breaking down tougher plastics such as polyethylene, commonly used in packaging and bags, or microplastics from tyres, which often contain metal additives that inhibit decomposition.
Despite this breakthrough, scientists caution against thinking of fungi as a silver bullet. Their plastic-degrading enzymes function best under controlled environmental conditions such as those found in wastewater treatment facilities or specialized recycling plants. In open ocean environments where temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability fluctuate widely their effectiveness would be significantly reduced.
Experts believe that these fungi can complement existing recycling systems rather than replace them. Future research is expected to focus on isolating the most efficient enzymes produced by the fungi and enhancing their activity through biotechnological processes, potentially enabling large-scale industrial applications.
This discovery comes at a crucial time as plastic production continues to rise globally, now exceeding 400 million tonnes per year. With only about 9% of plastic waste being effectively recycled, innovative solutions are desperately needed. Over 400 species of plastic-degrading fungi and bacteria have been identified so far, but most face challenges related to speed and environmental adaptability.
The findings add weight to ongoing international efforts to combat plastic pollution. As world leaders prepare for the final phase of negotiations on a global plastics treaty later this year, researchers and environmentalists hope that combining such scientific innovations with strong, enforceable policies could offer a real chance to reverse the tide of ocean plastic pollution before it becomes irreversible.