Abstract:
Micro plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental threat, affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, food security, and human health. Traditional remediation methods, including physical separation and chemical degradation, remain inadequate due to high costs, incomplete removal, and potential secondary pollution. Bioremediation, an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative, offers significant promise in mitigating micro plastic contamination. This review explores potential strategies for the bioremediation of micro plastic polluted soils and aquatic environments. Microbial degradation using bacteria, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhodococcus and fungi Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium capable of secreting plastic degrading enzymes such as lactases, cutinases, and PET hydrolases is highlighted. The role of algae and plant microbe interactions in enhancing plastic breakdown and reducing toxicity is also reviewed. Innovative approaches such as biofilm mediated degradation, genetically engineered microbes with enhanced enzymatic activity, and consortia-based bioremediation systems explored. In aquatic systems, floating bioreactors and enzyme immobilization technologies show potential for large-scale application, while in soils, bio char-amended microbial inoculants can enhance plastic adsorption and degradation. Integrating bioremediation with circular bio economy practices, such as converting degraded polymers into value-added bio products, further strengthens its societal relevance. Bacterial enzymes and nanomaterial-enabled strategies, with nano-enabled technologies demonstrating substantial potential to enhance micro plastic removal efficiency. The integration of microbial enzymatic, and bio-based approaches underscores bioremediation role as a sustainable frontier in combating the pervasive challenge of micro plastic pollution. Overall, bioremediation provides a sustainable, low cost, and scalable strategy to address the global challenge of micro plastic pollution and holds promise for restoring ecosystem health and resilience. Through this review, it is hoped to obtain comprehensive insights into the future potential of sustainable bioremediation technology in addressing the issue of micro plastic contamination in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Page(s):
26-26
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 1st International Conference on "Recent Advances in Green Biotechnology and Climate Resilience", September 15-16, 2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025