We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microbial Degradation of Plastic Polymers
Summary
This review examines microbial degradation pathways for common synthetic plastics including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyurethane, and PET, describing how mechanical and biological processes fragment plastics into microplastics and how microorganisms can be leveraged to address plastic pollution in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Plastics are used in almost every aspect of modern life. Large quantities of plastic trash are dumped into the environment on purpose or by accident due to insufficient recycling efforts. Common synthetic plastics include polyethylenes, nylons, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and polyethylene terephthalate. Through various mechanical or biological degradation processes, plastics break down into the shape of fragments, fibres, pellets, films, beads, or foam having a size < 5 mm, known as microplastics, and their presence is ubiquitous in the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Toxic metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pharmaceutical drugs can all be accumulated and transported by microplastic, making them a severe ecotoxicological concern and a public safety issue. Plastic debris can be safely removed from the environment by combining cutting-edge bioremediation and the natural biodegradation process. Hence, this chapter examines the current scholarly literature on microorganisms, encompassing bacteria, fungi, algae, and invertebrates, alongside natural and synthetic enzymes, regarding their capacity to alter and decompose diverse plastic polymers. Furthermore, the chapter delves into the elaborate mechanism associated with the biodegradation of plastic polymers. Furthermore, the exposition included a range of factors that affect biodegradation processes and the limitations linked to the biodegradability of plastic polymers.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Synthetic Plastics
This review examines microorganisms and enzymes that show promise for breaking down common synthetic plastics like polyethylene, PET, and polystyrene. While natural biodegradation of these materials is extremely slow, researchers have identified certain bacteria, fungi, and enzymes that can accelerate the process, pointing toward potential biological solutions for plastic pollution.
Microbial Degradation of Plastics
This review examines microbial degradation of plastics in the environment, discussing how environmental breakdown of plastics generates microplastic particles that accumulate in plants and animals and cause metabolic disruptions, while exploring the potential of microorganisms to break down plastic polymers.
Microbial plastic degradation: enzymes, pathways, challenges, and perspectives.
This review synthesizes current knowledge on microbial plastic degradation, covering the enzymes and metabolic pathways involved in breaking down major synthetic polymers, the challenges limiting efficient biodegradation, and perspectives for engineering improved microbial solutions to plastic waste.
Microbial Biodegradation of Plastic: A Noble Approach
This review examines microbial biodegradation of synthetic plastics as an alternative to conventional disposal methods, highlighting the capacity of diverse microorganisms to degrade recalcitrant polymers including those involved in agricultural, construction, health, and consumer goods applications. Researchers survey mechanisms by which bacteria and fungi break down non-degradable synthetic polymers such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC.
Microbial Degradation of Plastics and Approaches to Make it More Efficient
This review examines microbial degradation of plastics by bacteria and fungi, focusing on polyethylene, polystyrene, and PET, and discusses methods to make biodegradation more efficient as a potential solution to plastic pollution.