Microbial Photo-Biodegradation of Plastics and Bioplastics

Award Period
to
Award Amount
$45,000
Agency Name
UC San Diego Sea Grant
Award Number
R/RCCE-16
PI First Name
Dave
PI Last Name
Valentine
CO-PI
Sara Matsumura
Area/s of Research
Climate Change Science
Marine Conservation, Policy and Education
Natural Marine Resources
Abstract

Objectives: 1) Characterize the marine microbial community selected by photolytic products of petro- and bio-based plastic with and without additives (TiO2, colorants, and plasticizers): PE, PP, PS, PHA, PLA, and TPS 2) Identify propagated microbes and examine biological pathways that can assist them in consuming plastic photo-leachate. 3) Conduct biofilm literature review to identify if degraders of photolytic products also concentrate in plastic biofilms or offer an additional element of bacterial recruitment into biofilms. These objectives commit to RCE goal 1 and 2 by resolving plastic environmental impacts in coastal communities with high concentrations of marine plastic. Our exploration has potential to integrate into coastal storm water management to increase natural and socioeconomic resilience of coastal areas. Our collaboration with the private sector and larger community aims to spur meaningful engagement, partnership, and education while evaluating this new approach.