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Microbiological Interventions in Microplastics Remediation

Harshita Jain (Edited by), Jain (Author), Maulin P. Shah (Edited by)

9781394384709, Wiley

Hardback, published 23 June 2026

560 pages
25 x 15 x 1.5 cm, 0.666 kg

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.

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

Subject Areas: The environment [RN]

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