Grantee Research Project Results
2021 Progress Report: Biodegradation of Microplastics in Water Treatment
EPA Grant Number: SU840153Title: Biodegradation of Microplastics in Water Treatment
Investigators: Lin, Xiaoxia “Nina” , Gardner, Erica , Tan, James , Nyitrai, Jeremy
Current Investigators: Lin, Xiaoxia “Nina”
Institution: University of Michigan
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: December 1, 2020 through November 30, 2021 (Extended to November 30, 2023)
Project Period Covered by this Report: December 1, 2020 through November 30,2021
Project Amount: $25,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2020) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Objective:
Wastewater treatment plants distribute microplastics, which pose threats to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Because collecting, sorting, and recycling microplastics from wastewater treatment plants, would be difficult, plastic biodegradation by microbial consortia may a potential solution. We aim to assess the state of plastic biodegradation of the common plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which may enter WWTPs from laundry, and improve it via biological engineering techniques.
Progress Summary:
The team has produced the following two outputs: 1) a rapid assay adapted from the literature for quantifying biodegradation of the common plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and 2) a manuscript for a review and perspective article discussing the feasibility of plastic biodegradation in wastewater treatment plants. In addition, the team has carried out a range of education and outreach activities, including convening a “Plastics Working Group” on campus of the University of Michigan and outreach events for local communities.
Future Activities:
Upon a deep review of the literature, the team has recognized a key bottleneck of slow and under-studied biodegradation of polystyrene and other similar plastics. Therefore, at the next stage of the project, the team will focus on understanding and engineering a unique biosystem capable of fast biodegradation, the gut microbiome of plastic-eating worms.
Supplemental Keywords:
Plastic biodegradation, microplastics, microbial consortia, wastewater treatment, sludgeProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.