Microbial Colonization and Degradation of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystem: A Review

Abstract

A major apprehension is over microplastic pollution in the aquatic environment. These microplastics particles represent a novel medium in the aquatic environment, providing a substratum for various organic contaminants and for colonization of microorganisms. Microorganisms form a biofilm on the exterior of pollutants, consequential in a region known as a plastisphere, in which they interrelate and generate acid and different enzymes for microplastic degradation. The use of microbes for microplastic degradation has become a contentious exit indication as society focuses more on environmentally friendly pollution reduction methods. After both substantial and elemental degradation, biodegradation occurs, weakening the arrangement of polymers. Natural resource microbes have a significant effect on the reduction of plastic waste in the environment. The current review article discusses microbial colonization and degradation of microplastics present in aquatic ecosystems and the processes involved. While studying and considering how these microplastic particles have now turn out to be a recent environmental position within various aquatic environments, we emphasized the significance of colonization and microbial-assisted degradation of aquatic microplastics in this article.