Microplastics pollution has become a widely discussed concern in recent years as these tiny particles have infiltrated every corner of the environment. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, pose significant environmental and health challenges due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and potential to carry toxins. Several methods have been suggested to break down microplastics. Bioremediation is a highly effective method that shows great potential. Bioremediation of microplastics refers to the use of biological organisms, typically microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, to degrade or transform microplastic particles into less harmful substances. In this chapter the roles of bacteria, fungi and their enzymes in plastic biodegradation is discussed. Moreover, the main advantages and disadvantages of this approach are analysed. The last part of the chapter explores the main challenges in microbial degradation, as well as the use of advancement such as nanotechnology and their potential role in resolving plastic pollution challenges.

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Microbial Degradation of Microplastics

  • Giorgia Perpetuini,
  • Rosanna Tofalo

摘要

Microplastics pollution has become a widely discussed concern in recent years as these tiny particles have infiltrated every corner of the environment. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, pose significant environmental and health challenges due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and potential to carry toxins. Several methods have been suggested to break down microplastics. Bioremediation is a highly effective method that shows great potential. Bioremediation of microplastics refers to the use of biological organisms, typically microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, to degrade or transform microplastic particles into less harmful substances. In this chapter the roles of bacteria, fungi and their enzymes in plastic biodegradation is discussed. Moreover, the main advantages and disadvantages of this approach are analysed. The last part of the chapter explores the main challenges in microbial degradation, as well as the use of advancement such as nanotechnology and their potential role in resolving plastic pollution challenges.