Scientists uncover ‘green’ way of decomposing BPA-containing plastic

WASHINGTON - BPA (bisphenol A) containing plastic is a huge environmental hazard but scientists have found an eco-friendly way of decomposing the plastic waste.

Mukesh Doble and Trishul Artham pre-treated polycarbonate with ultraviolet light and heat and exposed it to three kinds of fungi.

The scientists found that fungi grew better on pre-treated plastic, using its BPA and other ingredients as a source of energy and breaking down the plastic.

After 12 months, there was almost no decomposition of the untreated plastic, compared to substantial decomposition of the pre-treated plastic and zero release of BPA.

The new study is published in ACS’ Biomacromolecules. (ANI)