4 ms·

Have there been studies about the dangers of these types of microbes spreading out into the "wild"?

• funklute 7y ago
  The article talks about a microbe that already exists in the wild.
  • ilitirit 7y ago
    I'm not referring to this article - I'm referring to the general case of plastic-eating microbes. Plastic eating organisms are not new. Even certain types of mealworms will eat styrofoam... Articles like these are published several times a year, but I don't think I've seen any studies on the potential impact. This article mentions it, but there are no accompanying references. http://theconversation.com/how-plastic-eating-bacteria-actually-work-a-chemist-explains-95233 http://theconversation.com/how-plastic-eating-bacteria-actua...
    • imtringued 7y ago
      They are probably as dangerous as silverfish to your book collection.
• Kalium 7y ago
  As a lay person, I currently get the distinct impression that polymer-digesting microbes are not currently considered dangerous, with the current impacts being negligible. What kind of dangers and impacts would you like to see studied?
  • ilitirit 7y ago
    > I currently get the distinct impression that polymer-digesting microbes are not currently considered dangerous, with the current impacts being negligible. Well, you've just answered it. I would like to know the scientific rationale for this or an opposing belief. I currently have no opinion on the matter because I haven't read any material to think about in any way other than "these things exist".