The importance of microbes in plastics degradation: A sustainable approach A Short Review

Abstract

Since the 1950s, plastics have been frequently utilized due to their
affordability and durability. The widespread use of plastics poses a great
risk to the environment. As plastics are non-degradable and have resistance
to moisture, they get piled up in the environment, causing soil and water
pollution. Global food chains are suffering due to the heavy use of plastic.
Bioremediation is a technique that employs the use of living organisms,
like microbes and bacteria, in the removal of contaminants, pollutants, and
toxins from soil, water, and other environments. Using microorganisms to
break down plastic and turns it into low molecular weight molecules, that
are safe for the ecosystem is the most cost-effective and environmentally
beneficial way to reduce the amount of plastic in the environment.
Microorganisms degrade plastics by secreting metabolites such as
polyhydroxyalkanoate depolymerases, which help in plastic breakdown.
This review outlines the potential of different bacteria and fungi that can
breakdown plastics and explains the general procedure of microbial
biodegradation of plastics and also the different types of enzymes used by
the microorganisms to degrade plastics.