Myco-degradation of microplastics: an account of identified pathways and analytical methods for their determination

Microplastics (MPs) have sparked widespread concern due to their non-degradable and persistent nature in ecosystems. Long-term exposure to microplastics can cause chronic toxicity, including impaired reproduction and malnutrition, threatening biota and humans. Microplastics can also cause ingestion, choking, and entanglement in aquatic populations. Thus, it is crucial to establish remarkably effective approaches to diminish MPs from the environment. In this regard, using fungi for microplastic degradation is beneficial owing to its diverse nature and effective enzymatic system. Extracellular and intracellular enzymes in fungi degrade the plastic polymers into monomers and produce carbon dioxide and water under aerobic conditions whereas methane under anaerobic conditions. Further, fungi also secrete hydrophobins (surface proteins) which serve as a crucial aid in the bioremediation process by promoting substrate mobility and bioavailability. Therefore, the present review provides insight into the mechanism and general pathway of fungal-mediated microplastic degradation. Additionally, analytical techniques for the monitoring of MPs degradation along with the roadblocks and future perspectives have also been discussed. However, more research is required to fully perceive the underlying process of microplastic biodegradation in the environment using fungus, to establish an effective and sustainable practice for its management.