Microplastics (MPs) have become a ubiquitous and concerning environmental issue in recent years. These tiny plastic particles, typically measuring less than 5 millimeters in size, have infiltrated various ecosystems worldwide including oceans, rivers, soils, and even the air we breathe. The pervasive use of plastics in numerous industries, coupled with improper waste management practices, has led to the widespread distribution of microplastics and their detrimental impacts on both the environment and human health. These particles persist in the environment for hundreds of years, as plastics are highly resistant to degradation. The effects of microplastics on ecosystems are multifaceted and concerning. Aquatic organisms, such as fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and subsequent health issues. The particles can also accumulate toxic chemicals from the surrounding environment, acting as carriers of pollutants and potentially transferring them up the food chain. In terrestrial environments, microplastics can disrupt soil ecosystems and affect plant growth and nutrient cycles. Addressing this issue requires innovative and sustainable approaches for plastic waste management. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of microbial degradation as a promising solution for the breakdown of microplastics (MPs). This chapter presents an overview of the present research on microbial degradation of microplastics, emphasizing recent data and findings. Researchers have identified various bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms capable of enzymatically degrading different types of microplastics, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Recent studies have revealed the enzymatic pathways involved in the degradation process, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying microbial MP degradation. Recent data has demonstrated the effectiveness of specific bacterial strains in degrading MPs, thereby offering a potential avenue for the development of practical approaches to plastic waste management. The use of microbial degradation not only contributes to the reduction of microplastic pollution but also holds promise for the development of sustainable waste treatment strategies.

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Microbial Technologies for Degradation of Microplastics in Wastewater

  • Manju Singh,
  • Rachna Bhateria,
  • Sunil Kumar,
  • Mona Sharma

摘要

Microplastics (MPs) have become a ubiquitous and concerning environmental issue in recent years. These tiny plastic particles, typically measuring less than 5 millimeters in size, have infiltrated various ecosystems worldwide including oceans, rivers, soils, and even the air we breathe. The pervasive use of plastics in numerous industries, coupled with improper waste management practices, has led to the widespread distribution of microplastics and their detrimental impacts on both the environment and human health. These particles persist in the environment for hundreds of years, as plastics are highly resistant to degradation. The effects of microplastics on ecosystems are multifaceted and concerning. Aquatic organisms, such as fish, marine mammals, and seabirds, mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and subsequent health issues. The particles can also accumulate toxic chemicals from the surrounding environment, acting as carriers of pollutants and potentially transferring them up the food chain. In terrestrial environments, microplastics can disrupt soil ecosystems and affect plant growth and nutrient cycles. Addressing this issue requires innovative and sustainable approaches for plastic waste management. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of microbial degradation as a promising solution for the breakdown of microplastics (MPs). This chapter presents an overview of the present research on microbial degradation of microplastics, emphasizing recent data and findings. Researchers have identified various bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms capable of enzymatically degrading different types of microplastics, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Recent studies have revealed the enzymatic pathways involved in the degradation process, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying microbial MP degradation. Recent data has demonstrated the effectiveness of specific bacterial strains in degrading MPs, thereby offering a potential avenue for the development of practical approaches to plastic waste management. The use of microbial degradation not only contributes to the reduction of microplastic pollution but also holds promise for the development of sustainable waste treatment strategies.