TABLE OF CONTENTS The microorganisms of importance fall into three broad groups (Figure 2). Viruses may also be mentioned although these are less well documented as an issue for growth in or on plastics.
Can degrade plastics by utilising raw materials as a food source, potentially causing surface staining (Figure 3), pitting and malodours. Plastic material can also provide a surface for the growth and proliferation of pathogenic organisms.
Moulds can degrade plastics and grow within them (Figure 4), reducing structural strength, conductivity or other physical properties. They can cause unsightly and aesthetically unpleasant growth on the surface and potentially enable the growth of some fungi that produce harmful mycotoxins.
Yeast can also stain and cause malodours on plastics.
Although they can be unsightly with green, brown or black discoloration of surfaces, they themselves cause no damage to plastics, as they do not use them as a nutrient source. They can however trap water, encouraging fungal growth (Figure 5) and physical 'freeze and thaw' effects.
