Microbial biotechnology addressing the plastic waste disaster

Microb Biotechnol. 2017 Sep;10(5):1232-1235. doi: 10.1111/1751-7915.12775. Epub 2017 Jul 17.

Abstract

Oceans are a major source of biodiversity, they provide livelihood, and regulate the global ecosystem by absorbing heat and CO2 . However, they are highly polluted with plastic waste. We are discussing here microbial biotechnology advances with the view to improve the start and the end of life of biodegradable polymers, which could contribute to the sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems (UN Sustainability development goal 14).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Biotechnology
  • Ecosystem
  • Plastics / metabolism*
  • Seawater / microbiology
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism*
  • Water Purification

Substances

  • Plastics
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical