patrick.net

"Bacteria that could breakdown plastics to harmless enzymes"

I would like to see the formulas for that, from what specific chemical compound plastics would be affected, and what "enzymes" would result. Then we could mandate that all plastics possible be of the type that the bacteria can break down.

Of course, if enough plastics are strewn about the planet, nature will eventually evolve some bug that can digest it, just like what has evolved to eat crude oil. Another issue is a mutated form of this bacteria gets out and attacks non-trash plastics everywhere. Plastic structures would then rot like wood.

Enzymes are protein catalysts with specific receptor sites. Plastics would be broken down into random carbon compounds.

Ceffer says

Enzymes are protein catalysts with specific receptor sites. Plastics would be broken down into random carbon compounds.

True, which is why I put "enzymes" in quotes. I wonder if the wording should have been "Breaking down plastics USING harmless enzymes," but the writer was unfamiliar with the process and miswrote.