“Researchers observed that microfungi in Lake Stechlin in northeastern Germany can thrive on synthetic polymers without any other carbon source.

‘The most surprising finding of our work is that our fungi could exclusively grow on some of the synthetic polymers and even form biomass,’ Hans-Peter Grossart, the lead researcher, told Reuters.

This ability to utilise plastic as their sole food source allows the Stechlin fungi to degrade plastic more efficiently compared to other organisms that might need additional nutrients or carbon sources.

Researchers said the fungi’s ability to break down plastic may have evolved in response to the overwhelming presence of the synthetic material in their environment.”

From The Independent.