Amaral-Zettler Lab

Research focus

ERC Advanced Grant · 2023

Validating Biodegradation Rates and Reactions Applying Novel Technologies and Systems Ecology Approaches

Plastic Marine Debris (PMD) is now considered a planetary boundary threat and the “Plastic Cycle” a biogeochemical cycle. The impacts of single-use plastic litter in marine environments have prompted a search for greener alternatives such as the biodegradable/compostable plastics polyhydroxyalkenoates and polylactic acid already being used for consumer goods. The diversity of microbes, their enzymes, and their role in influencing the rates of plastic biodegradation in nature remains poorly characterized – particularly in cold or low-oxygen marine waters and seafloor, where most PMD accumulates. The impact of lag duration, pH, hydrostatic pressure, and potential priority effects of initial…

From the public funding record at EU CORDIS. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.