A team of researchers at IIT Roorkee, has achieved a significant breakthrough in environmental science. The team successfully utilized an esterase enzyme, derived from soil bacteria Sulfobacillus acidophilus, to degrade diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP), a commonly used plasticizer.
Highlights of the Research:
- Degradation of High Molecular Weight Phthalates:
- The enzyme effectively breaks down DEHP, a challenging-to-degrade, high molecular weight plasticizer.
- DEHP plasticizer is widely used in plastics, personal care products, and food containers to enhance flexibility and durability.
- Potential for Polypropylene Cleanup:
- The esterase enzyme has demonstrated the ability to bind with molecules similar to polypropylene, suggesting its potential for removing polypropylene contaminants from water sources.
- Longevity and Efficiency:
- The enzyme remains active for approximately one month, offering sustained catalytic activity.
- It catalyzes DEHP degradation with remarkable efficiency.
- Health Implications:
- Plasticizers like DEHP pose a direct threat to human health as they can be absorbed through the skin and are commonly found in products like baby toys, shampoos, soaps, and food containers.
(Source: The Hindu)
