ENZYMATIC REMEDIATION OF MICROPLASTICS IN FOOD, WATER, AND AGRICULTURE

The goal of this project is to conduct research on biological methods to remove polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and develop an activated charcoal (AC) immobilized PET degrading enzyme (PETase) for use in municipal water treatment plants.Objective 1: Preliminary Research. Determine optimal binding and immobilization conditions for PETase. Identify the reusability and recovery of immobilized PETase.Objective 2: Application Research. Create a simulated water treatment filtration system to demonstrate the use of immobilized PETase. Evaluate the enzymatic activity within this simulated filtration system and on polyester-based consumer plastics that may be found in the environment.