Landfill Microbes and Pill Bugs Degrade Polyethylene Microplastics

**Landfill Microbes and Pill Bugs Show Promise in Breaking Down Microplastics**

New research indicates that microbes and pill bugs found in landfills can degrade microplastics. Scientists discovered that specific bacterial strains, isolated from an aged landfill, and the common pill bug, *Armadillidium vulgare*, effectively break down polyethylene (PE) microplastics, one of the most abundant types of plastic pollutants. These findings suggest potential biological solutions for addressing microplastic pollution in the environment.

The study details how researchers collected soil samples from a landfill and isolated various bacterial strains capable of using PE microplastics as a carbon source. Further analysis identified several key enzymes produced by these bacteria that facilitate the degradation process. In separate experiments, *Armadillidium vulgare*, commonly known as pill bugs, ingested PE microplastics, and their digestive systems broke down the plastic into smaller fragments. Researchers also observed that the pill bugs excreted some of the degraded plastic, suggesting a pathway for further microbial breakdown in the surrounding environment. The combined action of these microbes and pill bugs presents a promising avenue for bioremediation strategies aimed at reducing microplastic accumulation in landfills and other contaminated sites.

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Source: GO-AI-ne1

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Date: June 1, 2026

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GOAI