Microbes Associated with Bioremediation of Microplastic Waste in Nigerian Freshwater Bodies: A Review

Abstract

Microplastic pollution in freshwater bodies is a serious environmental issue affecting agriculture, human consumption, and ecological well-being. Microbial bioremediation is a promising method for removing microplastic waste. Bacterial and fungal species have shown efficiency in breaking down microplastic either aerobically or anaerobically. The alphaproteobacteria class, particularly the Rhodobacteraceae family, and the gammaproteobacteria family were home to the majority of bacteria that could break down microplastic. Several researchers investigated the Rhodococcus genus and the genera Pseudomonas sp. with noteworthy outcomes. Fungal phyla of Ascomycota (Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, Leotiomycetes, Saccharomycetes, and Sordariomycetes), Basidiomycota (Agaricomycetes, Microbotryomycetes, Tremellomycetes, Tritirachiomycetes, and Ustilaginomycetes), and Mucoromycota (Mucoromycetes) were found efficient in the degradation of microplastic in both land and fresh water bodies. It is important to take action to lessen the amount of plastic garbage that enters freshwater bodies, as well as to improve waste management procedures and encourage sustainable plastic usage patterns in Nigeria.