Review on Microbial Degradation of Bio-plastic and its Potential in Waste Pollution Reduction
Keywords:
Bioplastics, Biodegradation, polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO)Abstract
Plastic pollution is a critical environmental challenge due to the persistence and nonbiodegradable
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.
