Master the latest advancements in microbial degradation pathways and enzymatic breakdown with this definitive guide to overcoming the scalability and cost limitations of conventional microplastic removal.
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a significant environmental challenge over the past few decades, largely due to the rapid expansion of plastic production and inadequate waste management systems. These microscopic plastic particles infiltrate marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, impacting biodiversity, food chains, and even human health. Conventional approaches to addressing microplastic contamination, such as filtration, chemical degradation, and mechanical removal, have limitations in scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. In response, the field of environmental microbiology and biotechnology has advanced significantly, offering promising solutions for plastic waste degradation. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the role of microbiology in mitigating microplastic pollution. It explores the intricate interactions between microplastics and microbial communities, highlighting cutting-edge research on microbial degradation pathways, enzymatic breakdown, and the potential for bioengineered solutions. The book is structured to provide a balanced blend of fundamental principles, recent scientific advancements, and practical applications in the field of microplastic bioremediation. By integrating knowledge from environmental microbiology, polymer chemistry, and sustainability sciences, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, academicians, environmental policymakers, and industry professionals seeking sustainable solutions to plastic pollution.
Table of Contents:
List of Figures xxiii
List of Tables xxix
Foreword xxxi
Preface xxxiii
Acknowledgements xxxv
Part I: Understanding Microplastics and Their Environmental Impact 1
1 Introduction to Microplastic Pollution 3
Harshita Jain and Maulin P. Shah
2 Microplastics in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems 27
Kalpesh Solanki and Sagar Harwani
3 Health and Environmental Risks of Microplastics 73
Sagar Harwani and Kalpesh Solanki
Part II: Microbial Interactions with Microplastics 111
4 Biofilm-Driven Microbial Colonization and Plastic Degradation: Insights into Quorum Sensing and Extremophilic Adaptations 113
Anjali, Parvesh Kumar, Kanti Prakash Sharma and Vidyullatha Peddireddy
5 Microbial Communities on Microplastics Highlights Microbial Diversity and Metabolic Role 139
Mehara Nijamudeen, Ritu Shepherd and Jesse Joel Thathapudi
6 Microbial Architects: Colonization, Biofilms, and Their Role in Biodegradation 165
Yogesh Kumar, Parwez Ahmad and Mayank Bhushan
7 Microbial Colonization and Biofilm Formation on Microplastics 195
Lenin Kumar Bompalli and Lokeswari Nallabilli
8 The Plastisphere Paradigm: Biofilm-Microplastic Interactions and Microbial Community Dynamics in Natural Ecosystems 207
Sowmya Kumaravel
Part III: Microbial Solutions for Microplastic Remediation 225
9 Enzymatic Biodegradation of PET Plastics: PETase as a Key Catalyst in Microbial Remediation 227
Arpitha Balakrishnan, Jeena Gupta and Ashish Vyas
10 The Consortia-Based Bioremediation: Emerging Research and Future Prospects 263
Anamika Singh, Indira P. Sarethy and Ekta Bhatt
11 Microbial Enzymes Involved in Plastic Degradation 303
Bhumit Chavda and Yash Babaria
12 Genetically Engineered Microorganisms for Microplastic Degradation 325
Bhumit Chavda, Rahilkumar Brahmbhatt, Akshara Yesodharan, Shivangi Parmar and Kapil Kumar
Part IV: Challenges, Policies, and Future Perspectives 363
13 Challenges and Limitations of Microbial Biodegradation 365
Dharmistha Parmar, Aishwarya Varadiya and Bhumit Chavda
14 Toxicological and Systemic Health Effects of Microplastics in Humans: Mechanisms, Exposure, and Emerging Concerns 391
Elkhatim Hassan Abdelgadir and Sachil Kumar
15 An Overview of Microplastics' Impact on Health and the Environment 417
Ivan Aranha
16 Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Microplastic Management 437
Naveen Kumar, Jyoti Kumari and Sugandha Aachhera
17 Microplastics in the Environment: Microbial Biodegradation and Enzymatic Interventions 469
Nilamba Basiya and Abhijeet Joshi
References 495
Index 509
About the Author :
Harshita Jain, PhD is an early-career academic researcher with a background in membrane separation technology, sustainable development, pollution management, and wastewater treatment. She has been involved in numerous academic and research activities, including the publication of articles in international journals and proceedings of international conferences. Innovations in clean technology, water and wastewater treatment, biosorption, vermicomposting, antibiotic resistance, public health, machine learning in disaster response, groundwater remediation, the impact of climate change, and artificial intelligence solutions for disaster preparedness are among her areas of interest.
Maulin P. Shah, PhD is an active researcher and scientist with more than 20 years of experience. He has published more than 250 research papers in national and international journals of repute and is the editor of 200 books. His research interests include biological wastewater treatment, environmental microbiology, biodegradation, bioremediation, and phytoremediation of environmental pollutants from industrial wastewaters.
