Ocean Plastics Host Surprising Microbial Array

MTorrice writes "A surprising suite of microbial species colonizes plastic waste floating in the ocean, according to a new study. The bacteria appeared to burrow pits into the plastic. One possible explanation is that bacteria eat into the polymers, weakening the pieces enough to cause them to break down more quickly and eventually sink to the sea floor. While the microbes could speed the plastic's decay, they might also cause their own ecological problems, the researchers say."

Comments

...cause their own ecological problems

[fustakrakich]

As does every living thing.

I always look at the bright side of these things. If we didn't have cars, we would be knee deep in horse crap.

Re:Obligatory.

[Tablizer]

Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson!

Re:Isn't this what we would expect.

[Anne_Nonymous]

>> 'plastics' are under a century old

Yes, but that's like a billion in microbe years.

Re:Frankenbug

[srmalloy]

What happens if this bacteria grows really good at it and starts munching away at everyday items on land?

You get something like Mutant 59: The Plastic Eaters .