Plastic Biodegradation through Insects and their Symbionts Microbes: A Review

Tehmina Bibi,Huda Bilal,Hasnain Raza,Haseena Bibi

doi:10.35691/jbm.1202.0206

Abstract

Plastic waste has recently been identified as one of the most serious environmental issues, affecting all life forms, natural habitats, and the economy, and is one of the most serious global environmental problems, second only to climate change. Seeking alternative environmentally sustainable options, such as biodegradation instead of conventional disposal, is critical in the face of this challenge. However, there is currently a lack of information about the mechanisms and efficacy of plastic biodegradation. From this perspective, this study aims to illustrate the negative environmental impacts of the plastic waste. It also addresses the role of insects and gut microbiota in the degradation of plastics, emphasizing the important role they will play in the future.

Highlights

Commercial plastic production, which started during the 1950s, has grown at an incredible rate
Plastic waste pollution is universally acknowledged as a significant environmental burden
The current review addresses the concept of invertebrates, such as insects, in the degradation of plastics, emphasizing the critical role that they may play in the future

Summary

Introduction

Commercial plastic production, which started during the 1950s, has grown at an incredible rate. Plastics were produced in an estimated 6.3 billion tonnes from 1950 to 2018 (Alabi et al, 2019). Plastics production is expected to double in the 20 years at the current pace of growth (Lebreton and Andrady, 2019). Plastic waste pollution is universally acknowledged as a significant environmental burden. A recent study estimates that up to 6,300 million metric tonnes of plastic waste have been produced to date (Geyer et al, 2017). Less than half of the produced plastic waste was either disposed of in landfills or recycled. A large portion of the remaining plastic waste litters continents, oceans, and every corner of our world, making it a “Plastic World” (Rochman et al, 2013)

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Conclusion