Microbial Remediation of Microplastics and Integration into the Circular Economy

Microplastic contamination has evolved as a global concern. The plastic fragments of the dimension of micrometers are very toxic and harmful to both the aqueous and terrestrial ecosystems. The notable polymers of hydrocarbons, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, and polyglycolic acid, are the primary contributors of the microplastic contaminants in our environment. Despite its toxic effects, plastic is an unavoidable component of human life due to its usefulness. In this context, this chapter focuses on the recent developments of the microbial remediation processes for the reduction of microplastic toxicity along with the generation of value-added products in the form of energy from these waste hydrocarbon plastic polymers.