We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Degradation mechanisms and microbial remediation of micro- and nanoplastics: A comprehensive review.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microorganisms degrade micro- and nanoplastics through the secretion of depolymerases and mineralization pathways, assessing the practical potential of microbial bioremediation as a supplement to abiotic degradation processes.
Micro/nano plastics are emerging pollutants of global concerns due to their environmental persistence and potential ecological toxicity. We reviewed the generation pathways and microbial degradation mechanisms of micro/nano plastics, and assessed the application potential of microbial remediation. The abiotic degradation pro-cesses of micro/nano plastics mainly include photo-oxidation, thermal cracking, mechanical crushing, hydrolysis, and ozone degradation. Microorganisms gradually degrade high-molecular-weight polymers into oligomers and monomers by secreting depolymerases, and ultimately complete the biological mineralization process of micro/nano plastics. Microbial treatment technologies for the degradation of micro/nano plastics mainly include the use of high-tempera-ture resistant bacteria for ultra-high temperature composting and the genetic engineering of strains to synthesize enzymes capable of degrading micro/nano plastics. The bottlenecks for these technologies include low degradation efficiency, poor environmental adaptability, and difficulties in engineering scale-up. Future research should enhance experimental simulations of plastics under weathering or aging conditions, focus on exploring and utilizing microorganisms in extreme environments, and develop degradation enzyme systems based on synthetic biology for modification and optimization. Meanwhile, efforts should be made to promote their coupled application and large-scale verification with solid waste or sludge treatment processes, in order to provide technical support for the effective control of micro/nano plastic pollution.
More Papers Like This
Challenges and opportunities in bioremediation of micro-nano plastics: A review.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines biological approaches to removing micro- and nanoplastics from the environment, focusing on microbial degradation and bioremediation strategies. While bioremediation holds promise, challenges remain in identifying microbes capable of degrading common plastic types and scaling these processes for practical environmental cleanup.
Recent endeavors in microbial remediation of micro- and nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines recent advances in using microorganisms to break down micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Researchers highlight promising microbial strains and enzymatic pathways that may offer eco-friendly solutions to plastic pollution.
Emerging biotechnological and eco-remediation strategies for the biodegradation and removal of micro/nanoplastics from the environment: A comprehensive review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed emerging biotechnological and eco-remediation strategies for removing micro- and nanoplastics from the environment, synthesizing advances in synthetic microbial consortia, enzyme-mediated depolymerization, phytoremediation, and green nanomaterials while highlighting key analytical and field-implementation challenges.
Biodegradation of macro- and micro-plastics in environment: A review on mechanism, toxicity, and future perspectives.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined mechanisms, toxicology, and future perspectives for biodegradation of macro- and micro-plastics, cataloguing microbial species capable of polymer degradation, discussing enzymatic pathways, and identifying key limitations including slow degradation rates and the need for pretreatment to accelerate breakdown in environmental settings.
Harnessing Microorganisms for Microplastic Degradation: A Sustainable Approach to Mitigating Environmental Pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.