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Microbially Synthesized Nanoparticles for Remediation of Microplastic Pollution in Contaminated Environments
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This book chapter reviews existing research on using nanoparticles made by microbes to break down or absorb microplastic pollution in contaminated environments. It describes how these particles are produced, how they may work, and discusses current limitations and future possibilities for this approach.
Microplastic (MP) pollution having plastic particles smaller than 5 mm has become a major global concern across marine, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems. MPs originate from both primary sources (e.g., cosmetic microbeads) and secondary fragmentation of larger plastics. MPs are persistent, have the capacity to bioaccumulate and to transport toxic pollutants, thereby endangering ecological and human health. Traditional remediation methods are often proving ineffective due to the small size, chemical stability, and widespread distribution of MPs. As global production of MPs increases, their nanoscale derivatives intensify, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions. Microbially synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) offer a promising, eco-friendly solution for the remediation of MPs. They are produced through biological pathways and can absorb, degrade, or transform MPs through their high surface area and unique catalytic properties. This chapter provides an overview of synthesis, mechanisms of action, environmental applications, limitations, and prospects of microbially derived NPs in the remediation of MP pollution in contaminated environments.
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics have become a major pollution problem, showing up in our water, food, and even our bodies, and current cleanup methods like filtering or chemical treatments are often too expensive or impractical to use widely. This book reviews emerging research on using bacteria and enzymes—nature's tiny recycling workers—to break down plastic waste more cheaply and sustainably. While this is a summary of existing science rather than new experiments, it points to a promising future where microbes could help reduce our exposure to microplastics, which matters since these particles have been linked to potential health concerns.
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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.
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This review examines recent advances in using microorganisms to break down micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Researchers highlight promising microbial strains and enzymatic pathways that may offer eco-friendly solutions to plastic pollution.
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