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Green-Engineered Advanced Materials for Micro/Nano-Plastic Degradation: Recent Advances and Future Directions (a review)
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This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles, called micro- and nano-plastics, spread through the environment and can be broken down using light, heat, microbes, chemicals or specialized materials. It also covers newer, more environmentally friendly cleanup approaches using plants, bacteria, algae and fungi.
Micro- and nano-plastics are found everywhere in both the oceans and on land, and they pose serious threats to the environment and human health. The text starts by explaining the different types of these plastics, how they move through the environment, and how they can be detected using laser spectroscopy. It then closely examines the various ways these plastics can break down, such as through light, heat, physical forces, microbes, chemical reactions, ozone, and laser methods. The latest developments in photocatalysts—like metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, and carbon-based nanomaterials—are covered, with a focus on how changes in their structure can improve their performance. Sustainable methods for cleaning up micro- and nano-plastics, such as using plant extracts, bacteria, algae, and fungi, are also highlighted. The discussion includes how light interacts with materials and how the breakdown process works, stressing the need for affordable and environmentally friendly solutions to reduce plastic pollution.
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found in water, soil, and air, and how they affect plants, animals, and microorganisms. It also covers methods being developed to remove these particles from the environment, including filtering, chemical treatments, and recycling, while noting that removal methods are still being developed.
Emerging biotechnological and eco-remediation strategies for the biodegradation and removal of micro/nanoplastics from the environment: A comprehensive review
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Researchers reviewed emerging biotechnological and eco-remediation strategies for removing micro- and nanoplastics from the environment, synthesizing advances in synthetic microbial consortia, enzyme-mediated depolymerization, phytoremediation, and green nanomaterials while highlighting key analytical and field-implementation challenges.
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This review explores how microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, can be harnessed to break down microplastic pollution through environmentally friendly biodegradation approaches. Researchers summarized current progress in identifying plastic-degrading microbes and the enzymes they use. The study highlights the promise of green microbiology as a sustainable strategy for tackling microplastic contamination, while noting that significant technical challenges remain.
Environmental impact and mitigation of micro(nano)plastics pollution using green catalytic tools and green analytical methods
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Researchers reviewed the growing problem of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment, then assessed enzyme-based strategies for breaking them down, finding that enzymes specifically targeting plastic polymer structures offer a promising, sustainable approach to degradation, especially when stabilized on nanomaterials to extend their activity.
Research Progress in Microbial Degradation of Microplastics
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.