Exploring the Potential of Algae in the Mitigation of Plastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments

Abstract

The continuous increase in global demand for plastic products caused a significant increase in plastic waste pollution. Therefore, this increase in plastic waste represents a serious problem affecting aquatic and human life because microplastics can enter the food chain and cause several diseases. Also, the convention disposal techniques appear to be ineffective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution. However, the physicochemical characteristics of plastics represent a challenge to microbial degradation. This chapter discusses the proposed eco-friendly techniques for plastic biodegradation using algae to mitigate the plastic waste crisis. Several species have been identified as excellent plastic biodegraders. However, few researchers have investigated the algal role in plastic degradation. Microalgae may degrade plastic materials by employing generated toxins or enzymes. The use of algae for plastic biodegradation has been reviewed to offer new insights into various biodegradation mechanisms and contemporary bioremediation concepts for chemicals and algae-based by-products.