Degradation of polystyrene by insects and associated microorganisms: bibliometric analysis and a narrative review of techniques used in characterization

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Polystyrene, known for its resistance to biodegradation, constitutes a significant source of environmental pollution. However, certain insects and associated microorganisms have been found to degrade it, using this material as a source of carbon and energy. Therefore, the objective of this review is to critically evaluate the characterization techniques used to analyze the biodegradation of polystyrene by insects and associated microorganisms. The aim is to identify the strengths and limitations of these techniques, as well as their contribution to the knowledge of polystyrene degradation in an environmental context. A bibliometric analysis and a systematic review based on the PRISMA method were carried out, analyzing 100 articles from the Scopus database and 83 from the Web of Science between 2015 and 2023. The statistical method applied to the metadata was bibliometric with qualitative and quantitative aspects. The results demonstrated that the applied characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of microbial biofilms on the surface and cavities of the biodegraded polystyrene. Likewise, gel permeation chromatography indicated changes in the morphology of the biodegraded polystyrene. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR) demonstrated that signs of oxidation, depolymerization, and the incorporation of oxygen into the hydrocarbon chain of polystyrene due to the degradation process. These results emphasize the effectiveness of characterization techniques in detecting and describing significant changes in polystyrene during its biodegradation. Its understanding is crucial for future research and the evaluation of the ecological impact of polystyrene degradation by biodegrading organisms.