Mushrooms that can save humanity? This is not fiction – it’s a scientific reality!
Plastic waste has become one of the most painful problems for all humanity. Every year, hundreds of thousands of truckloads of plastic are dumped into the oceans. They do not decompose, turning into microplastics over the years, putting the lives of aquatic creatures at risk. However, a way to stop this disaster has been found. Who do you think? – Mushrooms!
What is it about?
Scientists at Havayi University tested 68 types of marine fungi that decompose wood. The goal was to teach them to “eat” plastic!
During the research, the scientists coated containers with polyurethane (a type of plastic found in foam, medical coatings, and various industrial products) and observed which type of fungus could decompose it faster.
The results are astonishing!
60 percent of the fungi involved in the tests successfully decomposed plastic!
Some species increased this ability by 15 percent within three months.
The study's author, Ronya Shtaynbox, says: “We obtained unexpectedly positive results. The fungi adapted so quickly that they could be actively used in the plastic cleaning process in the future.”
A powerful weapon against plastic!
Today, various methods are being used to clean the oceans of plastic, but natural decomposers – biological agents like fungi – could become one of the most effective solutions.
Nature finds its solution! Discoveries like this in the fight against plastic pollution in our oceans are among the most important scientific achievements of today. If such fungi are widely used, humanity could save not only water sources but the entire planet!
A question for Zamin.uz readers:
If you had the opportunity, what initiative would you take to protect nature?
