Question:-Polyurethane (PU) is a form of-
(a) Medicine for Urinary Infections
(b) A fertilizer
(c) Plastics
(d) Cancer drug
Ans:(c)
Related Facts:-
- Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have found solution to plastic Pollution.
- These researchers found the plastic-eating fungus living in a rubbish heap in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Aspergillus tubingensis is a fungus which ordinarily lives in the soil. However, during laboratory trials, the researchers found that it also grows on the surface of plastics
- The fungus secretes enzymes onto the surface of the plastic, which break the chemical bonds between the plastic molecules or polymers
- They took samples of soil and various pieces of trash hoping to find finding an organism which could feed on plastic waste in the same way that other fungi feed on dead plant or animal material
- Aspergillus tubingensis fungus was isolated by research team led by Xu Jianchu a research from Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- The fungus can grow on the surface of PU and break the chemical bonds between plastic molecules or polymer through the activity of enzymes.
- This discovery may become boon for pollution problem created by huge plastic wastes.
- Plastic waste is difficult to decompose, pollutes soil and water and poses risks to human health.
Related Links:-
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/plastic-eating-fungus/1/921074.html
http://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/201703/t20170330_175543.shtml
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/fungus-that-eats-plastic-may-help-clean-environment/article17763461.ece