Bio-catalytic Mitigation for Removal of Microplastics from Water Contaminated with Industrial Effluents

The use of plastic is deeply embedded in the modern lifestyle for our convenience. Microplastic particles measuring (100 nm to 5 mm) are found everywhere from the deepest oceans to the omnipresent environment. In recent years, pollution due to microplastics is becoming a major environmental concern worldwide. The hydrophobic surface of microplastics attracts co-contaminants such as heavy metals, pharmaceutical toxicants, flame retardants, and other plasticizers which can enter into the diverse biological niches leading to the aggregation of leads to bioaccumulation and bio-amplification. Usually, human and animal exposure to microplastics occurs through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption due to their omnipresence in air, water, food, and consumer products. Microplastics are usually recalcitrant in the environment and can move along the food chain with humans as the final consumer. Due to these lethal health effects on humans and animals, novel solutions are explored around the world to mitigate the problem of microplastics. For finding bio-based solutions, biocatalysts like groups of esterase enzymes can play a vital role in the degradation of microplastics. In this context, the present chapter focuses on biocatalyst-based mitigation for microplastic remediation in the environment and water contaminated with industrial effluents.