0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Gut & Microbiome Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Remediation Sign in to save

New Initiatives are to be Enforced to Execute More Research on Thorough Degradation of Global Polymers Using Diversified Microbes/ Enzymes in the Eco-Friendly Way

ACTA SCIENTIFIC MICROBIOLOGY 2020
Anju Kaushal

Summary

This review calls for accelerated research into microbial and enzymatic degradation of plastic polymers as an eco-friendly solution to the plastic waste crisis. It notes that while some microbes can break down plastics, the process is slow and further work is needed to make biodegradation viable at scale.

Polymers

Plastic pollution is the crucial topic of concern at present and mainly 80% of polymers encompass the pollution. Because of inappropriate recycling, it is creating a detrimental impact on the ecosystems of our land and oceans. Many studies have been pursued on plastic biodegradation and found that the crystalline form of plastics actually degrades at different levels and it is a quite slow process. The microplastics are broken-down with exoenzymatic activities into smaller monomers and then easily get entered the cell wall of bacteria. These monomers then get assimilated inside to cells to form CO 2 and biomass. Plastic litter's accumulation happens largely in marine environment and there is no area in the sea which is not affected by human influence. The micro and meso plastics get eaten-up by marine animals, resulting the release of toxic chemicals. The bacteria Citrobacter and Kosakonia are found in the gut of worm Tenebrio molitor and identified to degrade polyurethanes and polystyrene.

Share this paper