We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Application of green microbiology for microplastic remediation: Current progress and future perspectives
Summary
This review explores how microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, can be harnessed to break down microplastic pollution through environmentally friendly biodegradation approaches. Researchers summarized current progress in identifying plastic-degrading microbes and the enzymes they use. The study highlights the promise of green microbiology as a sustainable strategy for tackling microplastic contamination, while noting that significant technical challenges remain.
Nearly two decades ago, the term “microplastics” was coined and used for the first time to refer to tiny fragments of plastic. Since then, microplastics have been found in aquatic and terrestrial environments, the atmosphere, and inside the bodies of animals and human beings, including human lungs. The plastic particles’ contribution to environmental pollution is extensive, accounting for millions of metric tons of waste in the oceans and on land. As the world grapples with extensive microplastic pollution, significant progress is being made in preventing and addressing it. To this end, green microbiology has emerged as a potential approach for microplastic remediation. This article evaluates research on the viability of the use of microorganisms for this purpose, highlighting some microorganisms that have been used successfully in the remediation of microplastics, the mechanisms employed for this purpose, and the link of their use for microplastic remediation to sustainability. Finally, this article builds on current knowledge to identify potential future directions for research on the use of microorganisms for microplastic remediation.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Harnessing Microorganisms for Microplastic Degradation: A Sustainable Approach to Mitigating Environmental Pollution
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.
Microbial degradation of microplastics: Effectiveness, challenges, and sustainable solutions
This review summarizes current knowledge on microbial degradation of microplastics, examining the effectiveness of bacteria, fungi, and algae in breaking down various plastic polymers. Researchers found that while certain microorganisms show promising degradation capabilities, the process remains slow and faces challenges in real-world conditions. The study identifies key research gaps and potential strategies for developing more effective biological microplastic remediation approaches.
Engineering a Solution: Recent Technological Advances in the Microbial Bioremediation of Microplastics
This review examines recent advances in microbial bioremediation of microplastics, highlighting the limitations of conventional treatments and presenting biological alternatives using bacteria, fungi, and algae capable of degrading plastic polymers. The authors discuss key enzymatic mechanisms and the potential for scaling microbial approaches as sustainable remediation tools for plastic pollution.
Recent advances in biodegradation of emerging contaminants - microplastics (MPs): Feasibility, mechanism, and future prospects
This review explores biological approaches to breaking down microplastics, including using bacteria, fungi, and enzymes. While some organisms can partially degrade certain plastic types, the process is slow and incomplete compared to the scale of pollution. The research is promising for future cleanup efforts but shows that biodegradation alone cannot yet solve the microplastic contamination problem.
Microbial Biodegradation of Plastics and Microplastics: Enzymatic Mechanisms, Biotechnological Applications, and Ecotoxicological Perspectives
This review examined the enzymatic mechanisms by which microorganisms degrade plastics and microplastics, covering biotechnological applications and ecotoxicological perspectives. Researchers found that certain bacterial and fungal enzymes can break down persistent plastic polymers, positioning microbial biodegradation as a promising sustainable remediation approach, though scalability and environmental deployment remain challenges.