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The Role of Microorganisms In The Bioremediation of Microplasticsin Soil: Systematic Literature Review
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This review of 40 studies found that certain bacteria, fungi, and algae in soil can naturally break down microplastics into harmless simpler compounds using their own enzymes and biological processes. This matters because microplastics contaminate the soil that grows our food, and understanding how nature can clean them up could lead to safer, eco-friendly ways to reduce this pollution before it works its way into crops and, eventually, our bodies.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an environmental crisis that threatens the balance of ecosystems and biodiversity. This systematic review aims to examine the role of microorganisms in the bioremediation of microplastics in soil through biodegradation mechanisms. The method used was a systematic literature review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 40 articles from reputable Scopus-indexed journals were selected based on keywords related to “soil contamination,” “bioremediation,” “microbes,” “microplastics,” “enzymatic degradation,” “bacteria,” “fungi,” “algae,” and “analytical methods.” Unlike conventional methods, microbial bioremediation utilizes enzymatic activity, biofilm formation, and specific metabolic pathways to break down MP into simpler compounds that are harmless to the environment. The efficiency of MP degradation is influenced by various factors, such as polymer crystallinity, molecular weight, surface properties, and environmental conditions. Analytical approaches such as FTIR, SEM, TGA, GC-MS, HPLC, and gravimetric analysis play a crucial role in monitoring changes in polymer structure and identifying microbial biodegradation pathways. The results of the study indicate that bacteria, fungi, and algae are capable of degrading MP through enzymatic activity, biofilm formation, and specific metabolic pathways that convert complex polymers into simpler compounds.
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