Breakthrough Method to Combat Plastic Pollution Revealed by South Korean Scientists

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In a significant development for environmental science, researchers in South Korea have unveiled a groundbreaking method for breaking down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, the most common form of plastic used in items like bottles, clothing, and more. The new biocatalyst, named KUBU-M12, has set a record for its efficacy in decomposing plastic, offering a solution to one of the planet's pressing ecological challenges.

Led by Professor Kim Kyung-jin of Kyungpook National University, the research team demonstrated that KUBU-M12 can efficiently decompose contaminated plastics that are typically considered unrecyclable. This advancement is crucial as current recycling rates for plastics remain alarmingly low; in the United States, approximately 5% of plastic waste is recycled.

The implications of this discovery are profound, potentially enabling the recycling of plastics that have previously been deemed problematic and leading to improved environmental outcomes. As society grapples with the increasing volumes of plastic waste, innovations like KUBU-M12 could pave the way for more effective recycling strategies, helping to mitigate the extensive harm caused by plastic pollution in ecosystems worldwide.

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