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Microbial biodegradation of polypropylene microplastics: a comparative assessment of single- and dual-species models
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Scientists found that certain bacteria can break down polypropylene—a common plastic used in food containers and packaging that sheds tiny "microplastic" particles into our environment and bodies. When two types of bacteria worked together, they broke down the plastic much faster than any single strain alone (up to 49% weight loss versus 28% or less). This research points toward a promising future tool—using bacterial teams to clean up microplastic pollution—which matters because these particles are increasingly found in our food, water, and even human tissue, with still-unclear health effects.
Microplastics (MPs) are persistent environmentalpollutants with adverse effects on ecosystems and health. Microbial biodegradation is a promising remediation strategy, yet microbial efficiency varies based on species and experimental conditions. However, comparative studies evaluating the performance of single-species and dual-species degradation of polypropylene microplastics (PPMPs) remain limited. Therefore, the present study investigated the PPMP- degradation potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Lactobacillus plantarum in single- and dual-species systems over a 30-day incubation period under controlled conditions on PPMPs. Growth kinetics, weight loss, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM imaging, and GC-MS analysis were employed to assess microbial degradation of PPMPS. The results demonstrated significant MP degradation in the presence of all bacterial species, with the dual-species model showing enhanced degradation efficiency compared to individual strains. Single-species degradation yielded 28.6% weight loss of MP for P. aeruginosa, 12% for B. subtilis, and 16% for L. plantarum. Dual-species models achieved 49% weight loss in P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis, 32% in B. subtilis and L. plantarum, and 20% in L. plantarum and P. aeruginosa, indicating higher polymer breakdown in the dual-species model. FTIR spectra revealed chemical modifications indicative of polymer oxidation, increased transmittance, e.g., 2978 cm (C-H alkane, up to 101%), 1735 cm (C=O carbonyl), 3657 cm (O-H), new peaks like 1450 cm (C-H bend). SEM imaging confirmed microbial colonisation, biofilm formation, and structural deterioration of PPMP surfaces. GC-MS analysis identified degradation byproducts, including monomers, acids, esters, and additives, confirming microbial catabolism of PPMPs. This study highlights the effectiveness of microbial biodegradation and underscores the potential of microbial consortia for MP remediation.
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Synergistic degradation of polyethylene by a restructured bacterial consortium isolated from marine plastic debris
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Scientists found a team of ocean bacteria that work together to break down polyethylene, one of the most common and stubborn plastics used in bags and packaging, breaking down nearly 10% of it in just 30 days. This matters because plastic pollution, including the microplastics now showing up in our food, water, and even our bodies, is a growing health concern, and these bacteria (and the enzymes they produce) could eventually help clean up plastic waste faster and more efficiently than current methods.
Bacterial screening in Indian coastal regions for efficient polypropylene microplastics biodegradation
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Researchers screened marine bacteria from two coastal regions in India for their ability to break down polypropylene microplastics. They identified several bacterial strains that caused measurable weight loss and structural changes in polypropylene particles over a 60-day period. The study suggests that naturally occurring marine bacteria could potentially be harnessed for biological approaches to reducing microplastic pollution in ocean environments.
A novel bacterial combination for efficient degradation of polystyrene microplastics
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Researchers tested three bacterial species, alone and in combinations, for their ability to break down polystyrene microplastics used as the sole food source. The combination of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Bacillus velezensis achieved the most impressive results, degrading 43.5 percent of the polystyrene in 60 days. The study suggests that carefully selected bacterial partnerships, rather than single species, may be more effective for biological degradation of plastic waste.
Synergistic functional activity of a landfill microbial consortium in a microplastic-enriched environment
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Scientists studied soil bacteria from a decades-old landfill to understand how microbes adapt to high concentrations of polyethylene and PET microplastics. They found that multiple bacterial species work together to break down these plastics, with different roles for bacteria floating freely versus those attached to plastic surfaces. While biodegradation of microplastics is possible, it is slow, and understanding these natural processes could eventually help with cleanup efforts.
Identification of plastic-degrading bacteria in the human gut
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Scientists discovered bacteria in the human gut that can break down common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, though all the plastic-degrading species identified were opportunistic pathogens. The bacteria could physically and chemically alter plastic surfaces but only achieved limited depolymerization. This finding raises the question of whether microplastic exposure in the gut could promote the growth of potentially harmful bacteria while they attempt to digest the plastic.
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