Archaeal metagenome assembled genomes from the Southern Ocean harbour putative genes for plastics degradation

Only few studies have identified archaea as part of the plastisphere communities. More importantly, their potential contribution towards degradation of plastics remains unexplored. This study aims at screening archaeal genomes from the Southern Ocean for genes associated with biodegradation of plastics polymers and plasticizer, precisely, polyethylene terephthalate, polyhydroxy butyrate and phthalate.