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Bioremediation of Microplastics Using Biosurfactants: A Sustainable Approach for Plastic Pollution Mitigation
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This book chapter reviews existing research on using biosurfactants, natural compounds made by microbes, to break down microplastics. It describes how these substances can help bacteria stick to plastic surfaces, form biofilms, and chemically break plastics down into carbon dioxide and water.
Microplastic pollution has become a pressing global issue in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, where conventional remediation strategies often show limited effectiveness. Biosurfactants, with their biodegradability, surface-active properties, and environmental compatibility, offer a sustainable alternative for microplastic bioremediation. This chapter explores their role in adsorption, microbial colonization, biofilm formation, and enzymatic depolymerization, processes that ultimately result in the mineralization of microplastics into CO₂ and H₂O. Recent progress in biosurfactant-based remediation is also examined. Overall, biosurfactants present transformative potential for mitigating plastic pollution while supporting circular economy strategies and advancing sustainable environmental management.
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Advancing bioremediation: biosurfactants as catalysts for sustainable remediation
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This review examines how biosurfactants, natural cleaning agents produced by microorganisms, can help break down stubborn pollutants including microplastics. Unlike synthetic chemicals, biosurfactants are biodegradable and less toxic, making them a greener option for environmental cleanup. The research suggests these biological tools could play an important role in reducing microplastic contamination in soil and water, potentially lowering human exposure over time.
Biodegradation of Plastics: The role of biosurfactant-producing bacteria in environmental remediation
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This review examined the role of biosurfactant-producing bacteria in plastic biodegradation, finding that biosurfactants enhance bioavailability of hydrophobic polyethylene and polypropylene surfaces, potentially accelerating microbial degradation—offering a promising biotechnological strategy for environmental plastic pollution remediation.
Challenges and opportunities in bioremediation of micro-nano plastics: A review.
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This review examines biological approaches to removing micro- and nanoplastics from the environment, focusing on microbial degradation and bioremediation strategies. While bioremediation holds promise, challenges remain in identifying microbes capable of degrading common plastic types and scaling these processes for practical environmental cleanup.
Harnessing Microorganisms for Microplastic Degradation: A Sustainable Approach to Mitigating Environmental Pollution
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This review surveys microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, and other taxa—capable of degrading microplastics, examining the enzymes, metabolic pathways, and environmental conditions involved, and assessing the practical potential of harnessing these organisms for bioremediation of plastic pollution.
Bioremediation of microplastics in freshwater environments: A systematic review of biofilm culture, degradation mechanisms, and analytical methods
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This review summarizes existing research on using natural biofilms — communities of microorganisms — to break down microplastics in freshwater. Certain bacteria can degrade plastic particles, offering a potential eco-friendly cleanup method. While the approach is still slow and not yet widely practical, it points toward biological solutions for reducing microplastic pollution in our water supply.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.