Microbial degradation of plastic-A brief review

Wide variety of high molecular weight organic polymers known as plastic is the most common sources of hydrocarbons and petroleum derivatives. Due to excessive industrial and domestic use, plastic is now being used and produced at a very high rate. Except for a few, a large number of polymers are not biodegradable and the main threats to our environment because of its poor waste management, excessive usage and the relaxed behavior of the community against proper disposal. Some policies and advance approaches for plastic waste management include practice of biodegradable polymers in wrapping and public education about their appropriate disposal, are introduced by the investors. Chemical, photo, thermal and biological methods are also involved in the current polymer degradation policies. But for environmental, economic and health advantages; the practice of biodegradable plastics are the attractive options. In the current review, classification of plastics with distinct prominence on the biodegradable plastics and their coherent usage, recognized methods, microbes tangled and the present visions in the research of degradable plastics are highlighted. In the future prospective microbe's friendly plastic is safe for environment and it can reduce the plastic waste from earth. Further studies are under investigation and it will be having great applications in future because of its low cost and environment friendly nature.