03/14/2026
Scientists have discovered a type of fungus in the Amazon Rainforest that can naturally consume plastic and turn it into organic compounds. This discovery is being seen as a promising breakthrough in the fight against global plastic pollution. According to researchers from Yale University, the fungus, called Pestalotiopsis microspora, was discovered during an expedition in Ecuador’s Yasuni National Forest. What makes this fungus especially remarkable is that it can survive by feeding on polyurethane, a common type of plastic, and it can even do this in environments without oxygen.
According to Earth Org, the fungus works by breaking down the chemical structure of plastic and converting it into harmless organic matter. This process is very different from traditional recycling methods, which usually require large industrial facilities and significant energy. Instead, this fungus offers a natural way to degrade plastic waste, which could help reduce the massive amounts of plastic that end up in landfills and oceans.
The discovery is considered particularly important because plastic can take hundreds of years to break down naturally. Scientists believe that if fungi like Pestalotiopsis microspora can be used effectively, they could significantly speed up the decomposition of plastic and help reduce the long-term environmental damage caused by plastic waste.
