Advances in Microbial Bioremediation of Microplastics in Mangrove Sediments: a Comprehensive Review

Plastics have become an integral part of modern life, but their widespread use has raised environmental concerns. Once in the environment, plastics degrade into microplastics (MPs), tiny particles that pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Unlike plastics, MPs are more harmful due to their persistence and ability to bioaccumulate. Bioremediation has emerged as an ecologically sustainable and effective strategy for breaking down MPs; however, understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying the biodegradation of MPs remains limited. The present review highlights the diversity study of potential bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes in mangrove environments. The potential of bacteria, fungi, and algae in the MPs biodegradation is highlighted with particular attention paid to the effects of MPs characteristics, microbial activity, environmental factors, and chemical interactions on degradation efficacy. The processes of biological degradation, such as colonization, fragmentation, assimilation, and mineralization, are covered in detail. Furthermore, the toxicological impacts of MPs on both human and microbial populations, the challenges that microbial colonization presents for MPs, and the ability of microorganisms to break down MPs are also discussed. This study evaluates biodegradation technology’s potential and current constraints in addressing MPs pollution. We explore future research directions, stressing the need to optimize microbial strains, environmental parameters, and scalable bioremediation systems. Our discussion underscores the critical role of multidisciplinary integration in advancing sustainable MP degradation.