Metagenomic insights into density-driven plastic stratification in open dumpsites: implications for waste management and bioremediation

Summary

Metagenomic analysis of open dumpsites in developing countries revealed that plastic density drives stratification of distinct microbial communities with potential for plastic bioremediation. Open dumpsites are primary sources of microplastic fragmentation and dispersal into surrounding soils and waterways, and characterizing their microbial ecology is a key step toward developing targeted bioremediation strategies for plastic waste.