TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — Every year, eight million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean, but a special seaweed munching microbe could be a sustainable alternative.<br /><br />Researchers from Tel Aviv University studied the potential use of Ulva lactuca algae as a sustainable alternative for large-scale production of biopolymers.<br /><br />According to the paper published in the journal Science Direct, the research team cultivated the Ulva lactuca algae, also known as sea lettuce, and fed it to a single-cell organism called Haloferax mediterranei.<br /><br />The single cell organism then discharged a bioplastic polymer called polyhydroxyalkanoate, or PHA.<br /><br />PHA is a completely biosynthetic and biodegradable bioplastic polymer. Products made of PHA generate zero toxic waste and are completely recyclable into organic waste.<br /><br />According to New Atlas, current biodegradable products aren't entirely eco-friendly as making them requires large amounts of natural resources like fertile soil and fresh water.
