Review on Microbial Degradation of Bio-plastic and its Potential in Waste Pollution Reduction

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a critical environmental challenge due to the persistence and non-biodegradable
nature of conventional plastics. Bioplastics, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch
and sugarcane, have emerged as sustainable alternatives; however, their biodegradability varies
widely depending on environmental conditions and microbial activity. Microbial biodegradation,
where bacteria and fungi break down bioplastics into simpler compounds like carbon dioxide and
water, offers a promising approach to mitigating plastic waste. Different bioplastics, such as
polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), exhibit distinct degradation behaviors,
with PLA requiring industrial composting conditions and PHA being more biodegradable in
natural environments. Biodegradation is influenced by temperature, moisture, pH, and the
composition of microbial communities, and standardized testing methods such as ISO and ASTM
provide essential tools for assessment. Despite progress, significant gaps remain, including limited
studies under real-world conditions, insufficient comparative analyses of different bioplastics, and
underdeveloped strategies for enhancing microbial degradation and integrating it into large-scale
waste management. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microbial biodegradation
of bioplastics, examining environmental and microbial influences on degradation, comparing
different bioplastic types, evaluating testing methodologies, and exploring strategies to improve
degradation efficiency and practical application. By synthesizing current knowledge and
identifying pathways for improvement, this review aims to inform future research and advance
sustainable solutions to plastic pollution.