Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01047:reg:21:p5
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01047
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 21 (pt 5/5)
Character Range: 80724–81331

cells considered to be bacteria, cyanobacteria and fungi. Researchers speculate that, apart from providing long-lasting buoyant substrata that allow many organisms to disperse widely, marine plastics may also supply energy for microbiota capable of biodegrading polymers and/or associated compounds, and perhaps for invertebrates capable of grazing on plastic inhabitants (Reisser et al., 2014). Strategic, contained use of such organisms for biological breakdown of plastic could provide an innovative solution for some aspects of marine debris (for example in addressing microplastic in sewage treatment).