Daily Current Affairs : 7-June-2024
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have determined that a marine fungus called Parengyodontium album can break down polyethylene (PE) plastic, a common type of plastic found in the ocean. This discovery offers hope in the ongoing battle against ocean plastic pollution, which has become a major environmental issue.
About Parengyodontium album
Parengyodontium album is a fungus that uses PE as an energy source. The fungus converts the carbon in the plastic into fungal biomass, which it uses to grow. However, this process does not happen immediately. For the fungus to break down the plastic, the polyethylene must first be exposed to sunlight, which causes the plastic to undergo photodegradation. This means that UV rays from the sun help break down the plastic, making it easier for the fungus to consume.
The Significance of This Discovery
The discovery of Parengyodontium album is important because of the vast amounts of plastic in our oceans. Each year, over 400 billion kilograms of plastic are produced globally. A large portion of this plastic ends up in the ocean, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems. P. album offers a potential solution to this problem by helping degrade the floating plastic waste.
Scientists are enthusiastic about the possibilities of using fungi to clean up ocean plastic. Fungi are known for their ability to break down complex organic materials, thanks to their diverse range of digestive enzymes. This makes them excellent candidates for biodegradation.
Future Possibilities
Researchers are hopeful that P. album is just one of many fungi species that might be capable of breaking down plastics in the ocean. It is possible that other fungi, particularly in the deeper parts of the ocean, could also have the ability to degrade plastic waste. The discovery of P. album could lead to more research into finding and using other plastic-degrading fungi.
Important Points:
- Discovery of Parengyodontium album: Scientists discovered that a marine fungus, Parengyodontium album, can break down polyethylene (PE) plastic, commonly found in the ocean.
- Process of Degradation: The fungus uses PE as an energy source, converting its carbon into fungal biomass. However, the plastic must first undergo photodegradation through exposure to UV sunlight before the fungus can break it down.
- Environmental Significance: Over 400 billion kilograms of plastic are produced each year, much of which ends up in the ocean. This plastic poses a major threat to marine life and ecosystems.
- Fungi’s Potential for Biodegradation: Fungi like P. album are known for their ability to break down complex organic materials using a wide variety of digestive enzymes, making them ideal candidates for biodegrading plastic waste.
- Future Research Potential: Researchers hope that P. album is just one of many fungi species capable of degrading plastics in the ocean. There may be other fungi, especially in deeper ocean areas, that could also help address plastic pollution.
- Hope for Ocean Cleanup: This discovery opens up the possibility of using natural processes to help clean up ocean plastic, offering a sustainable solution to a growing environmental crisis.
Why In News
Recently, the marine fungus Parengyodontium album was discovered to break down oceanic polyethylene (PE) plastic, offering a promising natural solution to the growing problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. This breakthrough highlights the potential of using biological processes to address environmental challenges caused by plastic waste.
MCQs about The Discovery of Parengyodontium album
-
What type of plastic can *Parengyodontium album* break down?
A. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
B. Polyethylene (PE)
C. Polystyrene (PS)
D. Polypropylene (PP)
-
What is the first step required for *Parengyodontium album* to break down polyethylene plastic?
A. Chemical treatment
B. Photodegradation by UV sunlight
C. Mechanical shredding
D. Chemical decomposition by enzymes
-
Why are fungi like *Parengyodontium album* considered ideal for breaking down plastics?
A. They have strong physical tools to crush plastic
B. They can convert plastics into biomass using enzymes
C. They can survive without sunlight
D. They feed only on organic materials
-
What is the potential impact of discovering *Parengyodontium album*’s ability to break down ocean plastics?
A. It may lead to the development of new plastic types
B. It could offer a natural solution to ocean plastic pollution
C. It will reduce the need for recycling programs
D. It will stop the production of all plastics
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
