Mycodegradation of Microplastics

Microplastic pollution has gained much more attention in the research field as it has created a greater threat to biota worldwide. A major source of these microplastic materials is derived from mismanaged wastes in the environment. Current approaches like recycling and incineration approaches do not provide a sustainable solution to tackle the huge amount of microplastic pollution. There is an urgent need to develop innovative approaches for their disposal. Fungal-based biodegradation (mycoremediation) of microplastic is primed focused since last decades. Fungi are diverse eukaryotic groups that can degrade microplastic by using it as a food source under the influence of temperature and pH. Fungi are paling crucial role in degradation by securing varieties of enzymes like cutinase, lipases, proteases, cellulolytic enzymes, and also pro-oxidant ions. The action of these enzymes on microplastic and enhance the hydrophilicity and in turn convert complex molecule into simple molecule which is an low molecular weight compound. Even though mycodegradation can be a promising tool for microplastic removal, it is highly demanding to finalize different parameters and determination of optimum conditions for successful degradation of plastics. This chapter summarizes different sources of microplastics along with their types. Furthermore, it focuses on different fungal isolates responsible for the biodegradation of microplastics, various modes of it, and different enzymes responsible for degradation. In addition, microplastic degradation is affected by varieties of biological and physiological factors. Therefore, different environmental factors like pH and temperature affecting microplastic degradation and degradation effects are discussed. Further, enhancing factors of microplastic degradation are briefly discussed. Finally, we have focused on future research directions and prospective for controlling microplastic pollution by mycodegradation. This chapter encompasses summary of the mycodegradation of microplastic degradation and a bunch of information for future innovative research to control microplastic pollution worldwide.