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DIGITAL WORLD
BRICS+ Media Centre 
MODERN RUSSIAN 
15.06.2612:00 
Egyptian scientists discover bacteria capable of breaking down hard-to-recycle plastics
Microorganisms efficiently degrade polyvinyl chloride, paving the way for new approaches to bioremediation
A research team from the Faculty of Science at Cairo University has achieved a significant breakthrough in tackling plastic pollution, reports MENA, a TV BRICS partner. Scientists have discovered a strain of bacteria capable of breaking down polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – one of the most toxic and hardest-to-degrade types of plastic.
Experiments show that the bacterial strain Stutzerimonas sp. NH2, isolated from contaminated soil, can successfully degrade approximately 23.4 per cent of the plastic’s mass; when used in combination with other strains, the degradation rate rises to 26.8 per cent. Electron microscopy and chemical analysis confirm that cracks and voids appear in the PVC structure under the action of the bacteria, indicating deep degradation of the material.
Sohair Ramadan Fahmy, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Cairo University, noted that the publication of this Egyptian-led research in a leading international journal fully demonstrates the ability of Egyptian scientists to develop innovative biotechnological solutions to current global environmental challenges and to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Plastic pollution poses a growing threat to ecosystems and human health, prompting BRICS countries to develop technologies, safe polymers and recycling systems to address the challenge.
Brazil has made breakthrough progress in the field of microplastic management, successfully applying nuclear physics technology to pollution control. As reported by the official website of Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Brazilian Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN) has developed a mobile nuclear device based on an electron accelerator, specifically designed to remove microplastics from wastewater. The technology utilises high-energy electron beams to physically irradiate contaminated water, breaking down toxic molecules into harmless microscopic components, thereby significantly reducing the complexity of water treatment. The entire process requires no chemical additives. According to the source, the device is now officially in operation.
Russian scientists, meanwhile, have taken a different approach. According to the official website of South Ural State University, a partner of TV BRICS, researchers at the university have successfully reduced the toxicity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Typically, heat stabilisers must be added during PVC production, as the material releases highly toxic hydrogen chloride gas when heated to 150°C. Traditional industrial additives are either highly toxic (such as lead salts) or ineffective (such as calcium salts). Russian researchers have introduced microstructured titanium phosphate into the plastic formulation; this substance is completely harmless to human health and the environment, reliably stabilises the polymer structure, and significantly raises its decomposition temperature.
Promoting plastic recycling and building a circular economy are also key approaches to tackling plastic pollution. According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), a TV BRICS partner, an airline in the UAE has invested over US$13.6 million to establish a closed-loop plastic recycling system. Over the past year, the airline has recycled and reused more than 88,000 tonnes of economy-class plastic trays and meal boxes, reprocessing them into new cutlery. Production takes place at a local factory in Dubai, effectively reducing the carbon footprint. Furthermore, the airline has completely phased out plastic straws and plastic bags, switched to recycled polyester for headphone packaging and blanket production, and introduced bio-based materials (including alternatives made from cactus).
24 minutes 26 sec.