Polyethylene (PE) has been described as the most abundant plastic worldwide since it is used for the manufacture of disposable recipients, such as bottles and bags. Consequently, large quantities of PE have been accumulating in the environment causing serious ecological problems. Although there are numerous plastic disposal methods, each one has its own inherent limitations, but biodegradation seems to be the least harmful method to deal with this type of contaminant. This mini-review summarizes current advances in PE contamination, focusing on the recent findings related to the biodegradation of PE in different environmental conditions, presenting the microorganisms, genes, and enzymes involved, as well as the mechanisms of PE biodegradation. It also attempts to address the main and current biodegradation methods used to minimize the impacts of this polymer on the environment.
Keywords: Biodegradation; Environmental contamination; Plastic; Polyethylene.