Review on Plastic Waste Disposal and Role of Microorganisms in Bioremediation of Plastics

Plastics are the most commonly used polymers for conventional applications. Plastic wastes accumulating the environment are presenting an ever-increasing ecological threat. Low density polyethylene is major cause of long-term environmental pollution. An eco-friendly approach to resolve this ever-growing persistent menace is bioremediation. The diverse metabolic capability of microbes can be effectively exploited for breakdown of plastic wastes. Another approach is to synthesise biodegradable or organic plastics which is soluble in the natural environment. There are several advantages associated with these biodegradable plastics or plastic degrading microbes. They can be composted with organic wastes and returned to enrich the soil. Their use will not only reduce stress and loss of habitat of wild animals caused by dumping of conventional plastics but will also lessen the labor expenses for the removal of plastic wastes in the environment because they degrade naturally. This review describes bioremediation/biodegradation process, production, types of and advantages of bioplastics.