25 January، 2026
(18) new bacterial strains that break down plastic have been registered in the global gene bank
Professor Dr. Israa Ghanem Hazem Al-Sammak, a faculty member in the Department of Biology Sciences at the College of Science, along with graduate student Zahraa Tariq Abdulhameed, achieved a significant scientific breakthrough by registering eighteen new bacterial strains capable of breaking down plastics for the first time globally in the GenBank database. This pioneering scientific step contributes to addressing plastic pollution and supporting sustainable environmental efforts.
The bacterial strains were isolated from contaminated soil in Mosul, then accurately identified and documented according to internationally recognized scientific standards, demonstrating their effectiveness in breaking down plastic materials. These strains belong to the following bacterial genera:
- Cytobacillus firmus ZE14.iq
- Bacillus thaonhiensis ZE17.iq
- Bacillus subtilis ZE12.iq – ZE15.iq – ZE16.iq
- Micrococcus yunnanensis ZE81.iq
- Ectobacillus funiculus ZE19.iq
- Peribacillus frigoritolerans ZE13.iq – ZE20.iq
- Priestia megaterium ZEV6.iq
- Paenibacillus lautus ZE11.iq
- Enterobacter sp. ZE6.iq
- Enterobacter cloacae ZEV1.iq
- Enterobacter kobei ZEV4.iq
- Enterobacter hormaechei ZEV5.iq
- Bordetella petrii ZE5.iq
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa ZE2.iq
- Klebsiella aerogenes ZEV7.iq
This achievement is a significant scientific contribution to applied scientific research, playing a vital role in supporting the drive towards sustainable development and addressing one of the most serious forms of contemporary environmental pollution, as well as enhancing the university’s scientific standing both locally and internationally.
This work is the result of the continuous support and follow-up from the Dean of the College of Science and the Head of the Department of Biology Sciences, who commended this distinguished research effort, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to encouraging scientific talent and supporting rigorous research that contributes to serving the community and protecting the environment.
The College of Science extends its best wishes to its esteemed professors for continued success and further achievements, hoping for even greater scientific excellence.
Media and Government Communication Division
Sunday, January 25, 2025
