Engineering+a+Plastic-Eating+Enzyme

Engineering a Plastic-Eating Enzyme Source: [] Accessed: April 19, 2018

Summary: Scientists have recently discovered an enzyme that can digest plastic. Researchers discovered an enzyme that digests the plastic, and during the study, “ they inadvertently engineered an enzyme that is even better at degrading the plastic than the one that evolved in nature” (University of Portsmouth) . This enzyme was discovered in a waste recycling center in Japan.

Relation to the course: This relates to the course because we have to figure out what to do with all of the waste we put into landfills. “ The discovery could result in a recycling solution for millions of tonnes of plastic bottles, made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET” (University of Portsmouth) . This enzyme would be a great way to deal with high levels of municipal solid waste (Miller, chapter 22).

My opinion: I agree that we should pursue using this enzyme. However, I think pollution prevention is still the best way to decrease deal with high levels of solid waste. The enzyme will help control the plastic already in landfills and still being used, but by decreasing use of waste, we can better control this environmental issue.

Environmental Law: This is related to the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965. This act declared that the generation of solid waste is to be reduced or eliminated as thoroughly as soon as possible and waste that is still produced needs to be treated, stored, and disposed of.