Microbial Perspectives on Polythene Biodegradation: Exploring the Role of Microorganisms in Addressing Plastic Pollution
M. Muthukumaran *
Department of Botany, Ramakrishna Mission, Vivekananda College (Autonomous), (Affiliated to the University of Madras), Chennai - 600004, Tamil Nadu, India.
A. Aswartha Narayana
Faculty of Aquaculture, Andhra Kesari University Ongole, Andhra Pradesh -523001, India.
A. Dilip Babu
Department of Zoology and Aquaculture, Acharya Nagarjuna University Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522510, India.
Amogha K.R
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Science University, Bidar, India.
Wankasaki Lytand
Department of Microbiology, Shillong College, Shillong, India.
G. Gomadhi
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tindivanam, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, Pin Code: 604 102, India.
S. Jaya Prabhavathi
Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vridhachalam, 606 001 Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India.
G. Malathi
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sandhiyur, Salem - 636 203, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abhijit Debnath
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dhalai, Tripura, -799278 India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Plastic pollution, particularly from polythene (polyethylene), has emerged as a significant environmental concern worldwide. In response to this challenge, microbial perspectives on polythene biodegradation have garnered attention as potential solutions to mitigate plastic pollution. This article provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying microbial polythene biodegradation, including surface erosion, biofilm formation, metabolic pathways, synergistic interactions, and adaptation. Furthermore, it explores the diversity of polythene-degrading microorganisms and their roles in plastic degradation across different environments. Environmental factors influencing polythene biodegradation, such as temperature, pH, moisture, and nutrient availability, are discussed, along with strategies to optimize degradation rates. Biotechnological approaches, including microbial consortia development and genetic engineering, are highlighted as promising avenues to enhance polythene degradation efficiency. The article concludes with a discussion on the potential of microbial perspectives to address plastic pollution and outlines future research directions in this field.
Keywords: Microplastics, degradation, pathways, microbial degradation, environmental impact, plastic pollution, fragmentation, biomass production, mineralization, microorganisms, environmental degradation, biodegradation, enzymatic processes, carbon compounds, sustainable waste management