Where does all the plastic go?
Most things nowadays are made of plastic - our carry bags, food packets, plastic bottles, etc. After using them, we throw these plastic products into the trash as waste. This plastic waste from all our homes and many big factories is collected and then thrown in a large area called a landfill. Sometimes, this waste is also thrown into rivers, oceans, lakes, etc.
What happens to the plastic waste after this?
Plastic does not decompose easily like other waste products such as fruit peels or egg shells, which decompose in months. It takes plastic hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose. Since it is not easy to decompose plastic or recycle it, it gets thrown in various places. Animals and fish accidentally eat plastic, thinking it to be food. Burning waste plastic releases harmful gases that cause the climate to become warmer.
So. What’s the solution?
A recent study found that a worm called the Zophobas morio, also known as the superworm, can eat plastic. When these superworms ate plastic, they could decompose it with the help of special enzymes found in their body.
What is the significance of this study?
The enzymes found in the superworm can help us end the problem of plastic waste. It is possible that we may be able to produce these enzymes in labs and then use them to decompose plastic waste. Currently, we are using harmful chemicals to decompose plastic waste. But, these enzymes found in superworms have no such harmful effects.
What will happen in the future?
It will take some time for us to produce the enzyme found in the superworms. But, do not worry; many studies are going on to find ways to do it. For now, share the information about the harmful effects of plastic waste with your friends and family and help save our environment!
