A review on microbial-biofilm mediated mechanisms in marine microplastics degradation

Although the buildup of plastic in the marine environment is a long-standing problem, it has only lately been realized how relevant this pollution may be to the ocean. Microplastic fragments are an emerging concern in this field. Due to their small size, they are easily consumed by marine animals and, combined with the poisons and bacteria that colonize the plastic, can accumulate in the food chain. Unlike non-plastic biofilms, plastic biofilms are diverse and driven by a complex web of elements, including seasonal and spatial parameters and substratum characteristics like size, texture, and polymer type. The major topic of the paper is the discussion of preliminary findings and knowledge gaps about microbial biofilm communities connected to microplastics. Additionally, the review addresses microplastic sources, associated toxicity, and the role of both bacterial and fungal communities in their degradation.