Apart from the great abilities of fungi to remove pollutants from soil and enable the conversion of waste into biofuels, there’s yet another good reason to love the mushroom – it can break down plastic. In 2012, scientists at Yale University discovered that a mushroom strain by the name of Pestalotiopsis microspora is able to consume polyurethane, the key ingredient in plastic products, and convert it into organic matter. More recently though, researchers have found that there are actually several species of mushrooms that will eat plastic, and some of them are common, such as the oyster mushroom, which is also edible. In controlled conditions, it takes just a few weeks for the mycelium to start breaking down plastic, and in a few months’ time, the plastic is completely broken down, with just a white puffy mushroom left behind. Even if not eaten or used for anything else, the mushroom could be composted and turned into soil at a much faster rate than that of plastic, which is estimated to take centuries to decompose on its own. Considering the growing threat posed by plastic pollution on the environment, the discovery shows that turning to nature for help is by no means a bad idea.
Mushrooms can break down plastic in weeks and turn it into organic material
More of Today's Solutions
Making windows bird-friendly: a crash course on protecting our feathered friends
In 1990, Michael Mesure was on the way to a wildlife rehabilitation center. Among his passengers was a common yellowthroat, a colorful warbler that ...
Read MoreGood old-fashioned printed text outshines screens for cognitive engagement in...
In today's digital landscape, the draw of screens is clear, especially among the youngest members of society. But, what does this switch-up mean for children's ...
Read More6 feng shui tips to help you rediscover your creativity
Not all of us have jobs or passions that fall into a classically "creative" category, but you don't need to be a writer, singer, ...
Read MoreNew nasal spray treatment could help prevent Alzheimer’s
According to the World Health Organization, around 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. Although there’s currently no cure, researchers are unabatedly looking for ...
Read More
