The persistent accumulation of plastic waste has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and public health. Bioremediation, leveraging the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms, presents a promising and eco-friendly approach to mitigate plastic pollution. Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae, have demonstrated the ability to degrade various plastic polymers through enzymatic action and biofilm formation. These biological agents can break down plastics into simpler compounds such as methane, CO2, biomass, and water, reducing their environmental footprint. Factors influencing microbial degradation include polymer type, molecular weight, environmental conditions, and the presence of microbial consortia. Recent advancements in microbial genomics and metabolic engineering have enhanced our understanding of enzymatic pathways and optimized bioremediation processes. Furthermore, microbial activity plays a pivotal role in minimizing the impact of microplastics (MPs) on soil and aquatic ecosystems, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. This chapter underscores the potential of microorganisms in addressing plastic and MP pollution and highlights the need for continued research to improve the efficiency and scalability of microbial plastic degradation technologies.

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Application of Fungi in Waste Water Treatment in Bioremediation of Plastics and Microplastics

  • Anand Kumar,
  • Sukwinder Kaur,
  • Babita Saroha,
  • Neelam Dutt,
  • Prashant Singh,
  • Devender Singh Negi,
  • Indra Bahadur

摘要

The persistent accumulation of plastic waste has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and public health. Bioremediation, leveraging the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms, presents a promising and eco-friendly approach to mitigate plastic pollution. Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae, have demonstrated the ability to degrade various plastic polymers through enzymatic action and biofilm formation. These biological agents can break down plastics into simpler compounds such as methane, CO2, biomass, and water, reducing their environmental footprint. Factors influencing microbial degradation include polymer type, molecular weight, environmental conditions, and the presence of microbial consortia. Recent advancements in microbial genomics and metabolic engineering have enhanced our understanding of enzymatic pathways and optimized bioremediation processes. Furthermore, microbial activity plays a pivotal role in minimizing the impact of microplastics (MPs) on soil and aquatic ecosystems, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. This chapter underscores the potential of microorganisms in addressing plastic and MP pollution and highlights the need for continued research to improve the efficiency and scalability of microbial plastic degradation technologies.