Rethinking microplastic cleanup: sustainable bioremediation compared to conventional physical-chemical methods
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) (Aspergillus tubingensis degraded approximately 90% of polyurethane (PUR) through esterase and lipase activities at 37 °C under aerobic conditions within 60 days, whereas Phanerochaete chrysosporium removed up to 31% of PVC through peroxidase under acidic aerobic conditions. The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate physical-chemical MP removal technologies, in comparison with bioremediation, which is more sustainable, cost-effective, eco-friendly process. Microorganisms and their enzymes degrade MPs by breaking them through fragmentation, de-polymerization and mineralization. MP degradation by mixed-culture, including bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, is more sustainable method to mitigate the emerging MP contamination. This review highlights the advantages of bioremediation over conventional processes, emphasizing its potential for large-scale application in MP management.
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