Biodegradation of Microplastic: A Sustainable Approach

What is it about?

The review article “Biodegradation of Microplastic: A Sustainable Approach” provides a comprehensive overview of the growing problem of microplastic pollution and explores how microorganisms can be used as an environmentally friendly solution for degrading plastic waste. It explains that microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, originate from primary sources (such as cosmetic microbeads and synthetic fibers) and secondary sources formed by the breakdown of larger plastic products. These particles accumulate in rivers, oceans, soil, and the atmosphere, posing serious threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The article discusses the harmful effects of microplastics on plants, aquatic organisms, animals, and humans. It highlights that ingested or inhaled microplastics can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, organ damage, and may contribute to neurological disorders and other health problems. Since conventional plastic disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration have significant environmental drawbacks, the review emphasizes biodegradation as a sustainable alternative. A major focus of the review is the role of microorganisms—including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhodococcus, Streptomyces, Aspergillus, and Penicillium—in degrading common plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PUR), and PVC. The article explains how microbial enzymes, including laccases, peroxidases, cutinases, and PETases, break complex plastic polymers into simpler molecules that can eventually be converted into carbon dioxide, water, methane, and microbial biomass under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Finally, the review concludes that microbial biodegradation has significant potential to reduce plastic pollution and support a circular bioeconomy. However, it also emphasizes that further research is needed to improve degradation efficiency, discover new plastic-degrading microorganisms and enzymes, and develop large-scale applications for sustainable plastic waste management.

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Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash

Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash