UW researchers using engineered bacteria to breakdown harmful microplastics in wastewater [Video]

Researchers at the University of Waterloo are using genetically-modified bacteria to breakdown harmful microplastics in wastewater.

Lead researcher, Aaron Yip, started the work in 2022, hoping to find innovative ways to remove plastic pollution from the environment.

“Without of any interventions, plastics would likely last over 100 years,” he said.

The team used wastewater samples from the Region of Waterloo to develop the genetically-modified bacteria.

A sample of wastewater being taken in this undated file photo.

“We took a bunch of different parts, different genetic parts you can call them, and we assembled them together and then essentially put that complete set of instructions into our lab strain of bacteria,” Yip explained. “These are just like our friendly lab bacteria, and then we use that lab bacteria to deliver a set of instructions into the wild bacteria.”

The team’s modified bacteria could help with microplastic decomposition before they even enter …