Ghosh, Saheli and Qureshi, Asifa and Purohit, Hemant J (2019) Microbial degradation of plastics: Biofilms and degradation pathways. In: Contaminants in Agriculture and Environment: Health Risks and Remediation. Agro Environ Media, Haridwar, India, , Haridwar, India, , pp. 184-199. ISBN : 978-93-5321-003-8 (Print); 978-81-942017-0-0 (Online)

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Abstract

Plastics are recalcitrant polymers released in the environment through unpredicted use leading to accumulation and increased water and soil pollution. Transportation of these recalcitrant polymers in agricultural soil, sediment, and water has been causing concerns for environmentalists. Biofilm community adhered on plastic polymers have a significant contribution in their degradation as they warrant bioavailability of substrates, sharing of metabolites and increased cell viability thereby accelerating biodegradation. Metabolic enzymes of the microbes can be exploited as a potent tool for polymer degradation. However very little or no reports are available about the influence of biofilm and plastic degradation and vice versa. The present chapter reports the impact of biofilm microbes in the degradation of commonly used plastics. Furthermore, potent microorganisms and their interactions with the plastic surface has been deciphered, which would serve as a better understanding of the utilization of biofilm-based methods in the development of plastic waste management.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Plastics; Biofilm; Degradation; Pathways; Microbes
Subjects:	Environmental Biotechnology Biochemistry Microbiology Biotechnology Genomics
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Dr ASIFA QURESHI
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2021 09:07
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2021 09:07
URI:	http://neeri.csircentral.net/id/eprint/1254

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