BIOCLEAN

New BIOtechnologiCaL approaches for biodegrading and promoting the environmEntal biotrAnsformation of syNthetic polymeric materials

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'In BIOCLEAN project, novel and robust microorganisms (aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and fungi) able to extensively degrade polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrol (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers and plastics will be isolated from actual-site aged plastic wastes obtained from several European marine and terrestrial sites, composting facilities and landfills, and obtained via tailored screenings from existing European collections of microbes. Robust enzymes able to fragment the target plastics with the production of valuable chemicals and building blocks will be obtained from the selected microbes and enzyme collections. Untreated and physically/chemically pre-treated PE, PS, PP and PVC polymers and plastics will be employed in such isolation/ screening activities, and an integrated methodology, relying on advanced analytical methods (determining plastics physicochemical changes and breakdown products resulting from biological attack), and tailored enzymatic, microbiological and ecotoxicological methods, will be adopted for the characterization of actual industrial relevance of the obtained microbes and enzymes. Physical and chemical pretreatments improving biodegradability of target plastics will be identified and transferred on the pilot scale. The most promising microbial cultures and enzymes will be exploited in the development of pilot scale, slurry or solid-phase bioprocesses for the bioremediation and controlled depolymerization, respectively, of target pretreated plastics and in the set up of tailored bioaugmentation protocols for enhancing plastic waste biodegradation in marine water systems, composting and anaerobic digestor facilities. The processes developed will be assessed for their economical and environmental sustainability. Field scale validation of the most promising bioaugmentation protocols in a composting and a marine site and attempts to develop a plastic pollution reduction strategy for the Aegean Sea have been planned too'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU project has progressed with the biodegradation and valorisation of conventional plastics, using a combination of physical/chemical pre-treatments and micro-organisms. The test cases will help biodegrade micro-plastics in organic waste composting and bio-gasification facilities and in the Aegean sea.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Plastic is a material that has revolutionised modern lifestyle. It allows for several benefits at environmental, social or economic level. However, irresponsible use of this material can lead to damaging environmental impact which is more often than not the direct result of poor waste management and irresponsible littering behaviour. Plastic is designed for durability and hence its long term degradation is not yet fully understood.

The EU-funded (http://www.biocleanproject.eu (BIOCLEAN)) project is seeking solutions. Work of the 19-member consortium, including one partner from China and the European Association representing plastics industries, PlasticsEurope, covers three basic areas. These are: isolation and selection of microbes from a variety of actual-site aged plastic wastes obtained from the Aegean Sea and Norwegian Sea and a variety of European landfills, composting facilities, anaerobic waste treatment plants or a contaminated industrial site; exploring the feasibility of biotechnologies for breakdown, detoxification and valorisation.

Additionally, the project aims to enhance natural biodegradation of plastics in organic waste composting and bio-gasification facilities and, in the Aegean sea, to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution on marine environments. Developments will eventually be scaled up and tested in the municipal composting facility of Chania and in the Aegean sea. The three-year project concludes in August 2015.

The team conceived and implemented means of using microorganisms to degrade different kinds of plastic waste. Certain bacteria and fungi were assessed and shown to be effective. Thus the project produced a short list of suitable aerobic and anaerobic organisms. The best physical and chemical breakdown options have been detailed for a range of different plastics. The project's work on combined treatments also shows potential. Various tests of the biodegradability of pre-treated polymers showed a small improvement.

The consortium completed plans for up-scaling of the biodegradation processes it developed. Work on additional protocols for production of sufficient microbial inoculums has also commenced.

Field studies quantifying biofilm build-up have been conducted in the Aegean sea. Controlled composting tests were also conducted on land. Field validation and cost-analysis will be completed during the next reporting period.

The BIOCLEAN project will ultimately yield treatment options for breaking down waste plastic into useful products, and impact recycling technologies. The work will also reduce the effects of plastic litter on ocean ecosystems.