Mitigation of the micro- and nano plastic using phycoremediation technology

• Main Authors: Othman, Rashidi, Ramya, Razanah, Mohd Latiff, Nur Hanie, Wan Sulaiman, Wan Syibrah Hanisah, Mohd Hatta, Farah Ayuni, Mat Ali, Qurratu Aini, Mat Jusoh, Nor Hafizana
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2022
• Subjects: GE Environmental Sciences; SH389 Fisheries-Algae and Algae Culture; TD169 Environmental protection; TD172 Environmental pollution; TP1080 Polymers, plastics and their manufacture; TP248.13 Biotechnology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/96823/3/96823_Mitigation%20of%20the%20micro-%20and%20nano%20plastic%20using%20phycoremediation%20technology.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/96823/; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5403-9

Asia is the largest global plastic consumer, with about 35% of the world’s plastic consumption. Considering that Malaysia is a part of Asia, it is evident that plastic use is extensive. Unfortunately, discarding plastic causes several environmental hazards and affects human wellbeing. The environmental authorities and the government have been organising campaigns that focus on propagating the reduce, recycling, and reuse concept among the Malaysian public. Nevertheless, after considering the extensive presence of microorganisms in the environment and their affinity towards degrading plastic, the use of such microorganisms and enzymes appears an efficacious approach. Environmental degradation of plastic typically happens through five processes: photodegradation, thermo-oxidative breakdown, hydrolytic degradation, mechanical degradation, and microbial degradation. Microbial degradation comprises plastic breakdown by microorganisms, which produce enzymes that can split long-chain polymers. Microbial enzymes are interesting since they are cost-effective and require minimal maintenance; at the same time, they are easy to manipulate. Rhizopus delemar, R. arrhizus, Pseudomonas sp., Penicillium funiculosum, and Aspergillus flavus are the five microbes that have been cited extensively regarding their ability to break down specific plastics. Moreover, fungal, bacterial, cyanobacteria, and actinomycetes capabilities for plastic degradation are among the environmentally friendly techniques that can help the environment. This chapter discussed how cyanobacteria could be used to break down plastics. The projected research outcome is the identification of potent microbial agents that can rapidly degrade plastics with minimal environmental impact.