Sustainable Chemistry for the Environment (Sep 2024)
A comprehensive review on sustainable approach for microbial degradation of plastic and it’s challenges
Abstract
The escalating issue of solid waste with a significant focus on plastic waste has prompted the exploration of alternative sustainable approaches for waste management. This paper discusses the pressing environmental challenges associated with solid waste, particularly plastics. It highlights the importance of implementing a systematic approach that aligns with the most effective environmental practices. With approximately 5.6 million tonnes of plastic waste produced annually in India alone, and only 12.3 % being recycled, there is a critical need for a sustainable plastic-waste management strategy. Traditional methods like landfilling, incineration, and recycling have some limitations, emphasizing the need for a sustainable approach. In this context, plastic biodegradation by microorganisms isolated from landfills presents a promising solution, efficiently breaking down plastics into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass in an eco-friendly manner. In recent years, substantial research efforts have been dedicated to identify microorganisms and enzymes with the ability to degrade plastics. This review thus, explores the limitations of conventional plastic waste management and delves into microbiological-based approaches, with the focus on recent advances and findings in this arena. The crucial prerequisite for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to combat plastic pollution is underscored. Therefore, this paper also explores the current challenges associated with the biodegradation of plastics and accentuates future prospects for the ongoing advancement of plastic biodegradation technologies.
