Microbial degradation of polyethylene

Abstract:

Polyethylene (PE), one of the most widely used general plastics, is usually processed into disposable packaging materials (including plastic bags and containers) and agricultural mulch films. The widespread utilization of PE plastic products has resulted in the accumulation of large amounts of PE waste, posing a serious threat to the ecological environment. Since the 1970s, several studies show that PE plastic could be degraded by a few of microorganisms isolated from a diversity of niches such as soil, marine ecosystem, garbage dump and insect gut. Additionally, a number of oxidoreductases such as monooxygenase, peroxidase and laccase can oxidize PE plastic. These studies have paved the path for the development of bio-treatment of PE waste. This review summarizes the isolation and screening methods of PE-degrading microorganisms, as well as the reported PE-degrading microorganisms and enzymes. Further perspectives and challenges on the research on biodegradation of PE are also highlighted.