Bioremediation of Microplastics

Microplastics (<5 mm diameter) are environmental pollutants that threaten ecosystems and human health. Only 7% of plastic is recycled, out of approximately 360 million tons of plastic produced per year and the rest accumulates in the environment, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. Plastics production has increased significantly in recent years, spurred by their numerous applications since the 1950s. This has led to the possible accumulation of bio-microplastics in soil, which may be released during breakdown. Microplastics’ increasing abundance in natural ecosystems harms global environmental health and organism wellbeing. Microplastics circulate throughout the agroecosystem, passing through flora, wildlife, and the human body via inhalation, trophic transfer, and ingestion mechanisms. These routes lead to issues such as blood vessel blockage, infertility, and abnormal behavior. Microplastics are rarely recycled from the environment, emphasizing the crucial need for addressing post-use polymer cleanup. Thus, it is essential to implement innovative methods for remedying microplastics from the natural environment. Of the various existing technologies for microplastics remediation, bioremediation stands out as a more environmentally friendly option. This chapter is focused on various effects of microparticles on environment and their remediation techniques for their effective removal. This chapter presents an overview of contemporary bioremediation techniques for decomposing microplastics, serving as a valuable resource for managing microplastic pollution.