Microplastics’ and Nanoplastics’ Interactions with Microorganisms: A Bibliometric Study

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are plastic particles of concern worldwide as they negatively affect the environment and human health. The interactions of microorganisms with microplastics and nanoplastics are different. On one hand, microorganisms might biodegrade MPs/NPs through enzymes, but on the other hand, they serve as vehicles to spread diseases or negatively affect their viability. As a result, several studies have reported disturbances in soil balance and negative impacts on geochemical cycles. With an increasing number of investigations into microorganisms and their interactions with MPs and NPs, this study demonstrates a growing interest in biodegradable alternatives. A bibliometric analysis of 719 documents published from 2010 to December 2021 presents the research landscape on the interaction of microplastics and nanoplastics with microorganisms. The study shows that China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany lead the scientific production on this topic. However, in situ studies of large-scale pilot applications in the environment are scarce. More research funding from governments in the form of national action that stimulates national and international cooperation through universities, institutes, and industries is required. There is an urgent need for studies focusing on the degradation mechanisms of various microorganisms through the characterization of enzymes involved in the chemical modification of these emerging contaminants (MPs/NPs) with transparent standard methodologies. Moreover, there is no standardization for MP/NP extraction or characterization methodologies for different environments, especially in atmosphere. The patent need for alternative pathways for MP/NP degradation is evident, using microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, microalgae, and a consortium (peripheral biofilms) to mitigate the negative impact of the constantly increasing anthropogenic MP/NP pollutants in the world.