Microplastic Microbiome Interactions: Emerging Threats and Bioremediation Potentials

Abstract: Microplastics plastic particles smaller than 5 mm have become ubiquitous pollutants in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Their durability, persistence, and ability to adsorb hazardous chemicals make them a growing ecological and health concern. A new dimension of this issue has emerged with the discovery of the plastisphere, a term used to describe microbial communities colonizing plastic surfaces. These communities influence the fate, degradation, and toxicity of microplastics while also acting as vectors for pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. This chapter explores the interdisciplinary field of microplastic microbiome interactions, detailing their ecological implications and biotechnological potential for bioremediation. It further discusses microbial succession on plastics, enzymatic degradation mechanisms, and the possibility of harnessing microbial consortia for sustainable management of microplastic pollution. Case insights from Indian freshwater systems, particularly the Godavari Basin, are presented to contextualize this emerging field within the framework of environmental sustainability.