AI against garbage islands

Biochemists on the hunt for the “plastic eater”

In the environment, plastic poses a long-lasting threat to animals and ecosystems. Researchers are working with AI and biotechnology on tools to accelerate its decomposition.

(Bild: Jag_cz)

Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year, and the UN Environment Programme estimates that ten million of these end up in the oceans. Plastic bags, fishing nets, cigarette butts and other man-made pollutants then drift around in gigantic islands of garbage that are getting bigger and bigger because plastic does not decompose.

The deadly consequences of the plastic carpet are well documented - animals such as sea turtles die from eating plastic, aquatic animals and seabirds become entangled in orphaned fishing nets. The human preference for plastic is fatal for marine ecosystems and a reduction in the mountains of plastic waste is essential - for example through savings, bans (e.g. on straws) or bioplastics, which do decompose over time. However, researchers are also looking for new weapons against the non-biodegradable plastic that is already out there. Artificial intelligence and genetic engineering could provide a solution.