Accurate treatments (week 9)
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| Figure 1Treated plastic in PIA plate |
This week, it was very satisfying to witness our plastic treatment protocol work. The different types of plastic (PVC 3, LPDE 4, SPI 5…) were treated using 100% Isopropanol (soaked inside) and left under the fume hoods (summary on blog post week 7). After the treating process, the ground plastics were transferred to different types of medias and placed under the incubator to check if bacteria grew. The team’s phenomenal aseptic technique followed by a particular treatment protocol for plastic resulted in zero growth of bacteria (figure 1).
The Hypothesis / Methods
Microplastics are everywhere in the world including in our day to day drinking water. If microplastics are everywhere, checking if bacteria (Pseudomonas species) produces an enzyme to degrade plastics and use it as a nutrient source is our primary focus. We all know bacteria sticks to plastics and make biofilms. Our research is going to observe how Pseudomonas uses plastics as a nutrient source (our hypothesis). If our hypothesis is true, it will bring us one step closer to a safer environment.
Ibrahim,
ReplyDeleteI find it extremely interesting that you and your peers are going to be testing plastic as a nutrient for Pseudomonas. When you mentioned that there are micro-plastics even in our tap water supply, it got me thinking about the potential health impacts it can have on people.
Hey Ibrahim, I can notice the dedication and excitement you have towards your research project. You’ve definitely made some progress and in the case of this week, you found results that you were hoping to get! Science isn’t perfect and I’m happy to know that things worked out for you. Keep up the great work!
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