AQUATIC PLASTICS WASTE BIODEGRADATION USING PLASTIC DEGRADING MICROBES

Abstract

Plastic is a synthetic polymer that is highly used every year in almost every field of life. Aquatic plastic waste is plastic that scattered in the aquatic environment in the form of macroplastic or microplastic. Plastic production is expected to continue increasing from year to year. Due to the massive production and use of various plastic products, the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment is still increasing resulting in environmental pollution. Biodegradation is considered as the appropriate method to solve the problem. Plastics biodegradation involves various enzymes produced by plastic degrading microorganisms including algae, bacteria, and fungi. During biodegradation, plastics polymer will be converted into microbial biomass and gases through several steps including biodeterioration, biofragmentation, depolymerization, assimilation and mineralization. Thus, this process has less side effect on the environment.