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One of the major risks to the world’s ecosystems today is plastic pollution, it affects both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems alike. While India generates around 9.4 million tons of plastic annually, around 5.6 million tons are recycled, and the remaining 3.8 million tons goes uncollected or improperly disposed turning the country into a plastic pollution hotspot.

Addressing the existing gaps in understanding marine plastic and biodegradation which is the breakdown of these plastic materials by microorganisms, Dr Prasun Goswami, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, has recently published a research paper titled “Microplastics Under Siege: Biofilm-forming Marine Bacteria from the Micro Plastisphere and their Role in Plastic Degradation”. The paper was published in the Q1 journal, Science of the Total Environment, with an Impact Factor of 8.2.

Over a period of time plastic debris degrade into smaller pieces, eventually forming microplastics (less than 5mm) which are increasingly found in water sources, including drinking water, and pose a potential threat to human health and aquatic life. Some studies suggest that ingested microplastics may have negative health effects, including reproductive damage. Microbial biodegradation has been regarded as one of the effective ways to deal with plastic pollution.

Abstract

Microplastics, laden with toxins and microorganisms, threaten marine ecosystems by affecting both living organisms and environmental processes. This study explores the diversity and plastic-degrading potential of culturable bacteria colonizing microplastics collected from three coastal sites of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was the most prevalent polymer identified in the plastic debris. Among 24 bacterial isolates screened, strain NIOT-MP-52 demonstrated the highest LDPE degradation efficiency (10.79%) which means breaking down the plastic and was subjected to detailed characterization. Analytical techniques (FT-IR, SEM, AFM, DSC) confirmed microbial degradation through surface alterations and thermal changes. The findings underscore the promising role of marine bacteria in biodegrading plastics, offering potential solutions for sustainable plastic waste management.

Practical Implementations of the Research

This research offers a sustainable solution to marine plastic pollution by identifying native bacteria capable of degrading low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a common plastic pollutant. The most efficient strain, NIOT-MP-52, showed significant potential for breaking down plastic, indicating its practical use in eco-friendly bioremediation systems like biofilters or wastewater treatment setups. Socially, this approach supports healthier marine ecosystems, reduces human exposure to microplastics, and encourages nature-based waste management strategies, potentially creating green jobs in coastal communities.

Collaborations

This research was originally carried out at the Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Sri Vijaya Puram, India. National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Chennai, India.