FAST Research Impact 2022 EP01 - Microbial Solution for Microplastic Pollution

Abstract

微塑膠隨處可見，它們來自汽車輪胎、塑膠製品、美容用品及牙膏等。研究更發現本港海鮮樣本中都有微塑膠存在，對健康影響不容忽視。 理大應用科學及紡織學院蔡松霖博士和方家熙博士研發出一個利用細菌的創新方案去移除水中微塑膠。這種細菌能在微塑膠上形成粘膩的生物膜，從而困住微塑膠，使它們易於收集和回收。這方案為阻截微塑膠流入海洋，提供了一個有效的解決方法。 Microplastics are everywhere. They come from various sources, including rubber tyres, plastic goods, beauty products and toothpaste. Substantial levels of microplastics contamination were reported in seafood samples from Hong Kong, posing a potential threat to human health. PolyU FAST researchers, Dr Song-lin Chua and Dr James Fang, have developed an innovative approach to removing microplastics from water using bacteria. The bacteria can form sticky biofilms that trap microplastics, making them easier to collect and recycle. This approach provides a viable way to stop microplastics from escaping into the oceans.