Role of microorganisms in biodegradation of plastics

One of the various problems which mankind faces is the solid waste disposal and its management. Lack of degradability, the closing of landfill sites and growing water and land pollution have led to concern about plastics. Biodegradation is necessary for water-soluble or water-immiscible polymers which can neither be recycled nor incinerated. It is important to consider the microbial degradation of natural and synthetic polymers to understand the mechanism involved. Microorganisms are responsible for degradation of the majority of plastics and abiotic factors play a very minor role. With the excessive use of plastics and increasing pressure being placed on capacities available for plastic waste disposal, the need for biodegradable plastics has assumed increasing importance. This book includes the information about the microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) and their enzymes involved in the degradation of both synthetic as well as natural plastics and their activities under different environmental conditions.