Biological Degradation of Synthesised Polyethlene Plastic by Microorganisms and Invertebrates

Abstract

Plastic waste management and recycling have become important global issues because they damage living creatures in all environments. Although plastics make our lives easier, their uncontrolled use and thoughtless disposal pose a persistent threat to the ecosystem since they do not dissolve naturally even after many years and interfere with a variety of natural and artificial processes. Plastics' inability or poor biodegradation has resulted in their accumulating in the environment, creating widespread contamination and damaging both marine and terrestrial life forms. There has been little or no systematic analysis on polyethylene degradation; this review focuses on biological polyethylene degradation, with a special emphasis on bacteria, fungus, and algae involved in the polyethylene degradation process. Furthermore, invertebrates and microbial enzymes engaged in the process were highlighted, while the mechanism of biodegradation was not overlooked.