China Plastics ›› 2023, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (11): 117-126.DOI: 10.19491/j.issn.1001-9278.2023.11.013

• Plastic and Environment • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Microplastic pollution and degradation in environment

SUN Wenxiao1,2, YANG Fan1,2, HOU Mengzong1,2, HE Dandan1,2, WU Hui1,2, LIU Qiang1,2, ZHANG Hong1,2()   

  1. 1.Key Laboratory for Uility of Environment?Friendly Composite Materials and Biomass in University of Gansu Province,Key Laboratory of Environment?Friendly Composite Materials of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission,College of Chemical Engineering,Northwest Minzu University,Lanzhou 730030,China
    2.Gansu Provincial Biomass Function Composites Engineering Research Center,Lanzhou 730030,China
  • Received:2023-05-09 Online:2023-11-26 Published:2023-11-22

Abstract:

The excessive use of plastic products and the recycling difficulty have led to most plastics entering the environment. The combination of biotic and abiotic factors changes their physical and chemical properties, causing serious microplastic pollution of the atmosphere, water bodies and soil. It even generates a certain degree of negative impact on humans. With an increase in the awareness of environmental protection, it is essential to find an efficient and eco⁃friendly method for plastic degradation. A lot of attention has been attracted by biodegradation because of its advantages of being green and free of secondary pollution. This paper summarized the sources and hazards of microplastics pollution in the atmosphere, water, and soil. The biodegradation and non⁃biodegradation of plastics and the enzymatic degradation mechanism of different types of plastics were further discussed. Finally, the future research direction of microplastics biodegradation was prospected.

Key words: microplastics, biodegradation, microorganism, polyethylene, poly(ethylene glycol terephthalate), polystyrene

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