Question: A microplastic degradation enzyme increases the rate of polymer breakdown exponentially. The total degradation after $ n $ hours is modeled by

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:58:24 +0000

**A Microplastic Breakthrough: How an Enzyme Speeds Up Polymer Breakdown Exponentially** Why are scientists finally talking about a natural solution to the growing ocean plastic crisis? The answer lies in a breakthrough enzyme that accelerates how plastics degrade—changing the timeline of polymer breakdown in ways once thought slow and uncertain. This enzyme doesn’t just slow degradation; it increases the rate exponentially, meaning faster decomposition after just a few hours. Drag into the conversation: the modelling of degradation progress, explained clearly and backed by real-world data. Understanding how time and enzyme action intersect reveals a new frontier in tackling plastic pollution—one grounded in chemistry and environmental science. The key model describes degradation as an exponential function: the amount of polymer broken down in each hour grows faster as the process continues, creating compound effects over time. ## Why Is Exponential Enzymatic Degradation Gaining Attention in the U.S.?