Applications of Fungi in Biodegradation of Polymeric Waste and Micropollutants
摘要
Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to widespread release of polymeric pollutants and their byproducts, which persist in the environment and pose ecological and health risks. Global polymer production has increased dramatically, contributing to micropollutant accumulation in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Conventional physical and chemical methods, are limited by high costs, incomplete removal, and toxic byproducts. Microbial bioprocesses, particularly fungal-mediated degradation, offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Fungi can survive in extreme environments, bind to hydrophobic polymers, and secrete extracellular enzymes that accelerate the breakdown of complex compounds. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of diverse fungal species involved in the degradation of polymeric waste and micropollutants. Fungal bioremediation provides an environmentally sustainable and economically viable strategy for polymeric pollutant management.