Statistical optimization of process variables for improved Polyethylene terephthalate plastic degradation by a rhizospheric bacterial consortium

Current Progress and Potential Microbial Cornucopia for Plastic Degradation

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This review surveys current progress in identifying and leveraging microbial diversity — including bacteria, fungi, and algae — capable of degrading various plastic polymers across environmental matrices. Microbial plastic degradation represents one of the most promising biological pathways for reducing accumulated microplastic loads in soils and waterways, with potential to lower the chronic environmental and dietary exposure burden on both wildlife and humans.

Advancing biological processing for valorization of plastic wastes

Mechanistic understanding of synergistic bacterial consortium-mediated biodegradation of nylon-6,6 microplastics for sustainable environmental remediation

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A consortium of three bacteria degraded 32.6% of nylon-6,6 microplastic weight within 65 days, breaking the tough synthetic polymer down into smaller hydrocarbons and fatty acids through a measurable biochemical pathway. Biological degradation of persistent microplastics is a promising remediation strategy, and identifying the specific breakdown products helps assess whether the process is truly safe for the environment.

Role of Rhizobiome in Mitigating Plastic Pollution in Pedosphere

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Soil rhizobiome communities—the microorganisms associated with plant root zones—play a potential role in mitigating plastic pollution in the pedosphere through microbial degradation and transformation of plastic particles. Harnessing rhizobiome activity represents a biologically-integrated approach to reducing soil microplastic accumulation in agricultural systems where plastic contamination is widespread.

Plastic Degradation and Utilization by Microbes: Challenges and Scope

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Plastic overaccumulation in ecosystems has driven interest in microbial degradation as a natural remediation tool, though the slow rate of natural depolymerization and the specificity of plastic-degrading enzymes remain major challenges. Expanding our understanding of microbial plastic utilization pathways could unlock biological strategies for reducing the microplastic precursors that fragment from larger plastic waste.