Plastic is being used over the entire globe in the form of capsules,
microbeads, fibers or microplastics. The waste thus generated has gained concern due
to the loss of aesthetic value, the presence of various toxic chemicals such as
plasticizers, antioxidants, etc., and the release of greenhouse gases. The small size and
slow degradability of microplastics are responsible for their accumulation in the
environment and organisms. Plastic degradability can be improved by altering its
chemical and physical structure or using better degrading agents. Different types of
microorganisms and enzymes are being designed and employed for degrading plastic
waste. This chapter gives an overview of the degradation mechanism along with
different microbial, plant and animal species responsible for this process.
Keywords: Microplastics, Microbial degradation, Animal-mediated degradation, Plant-mediated degradation, Environmental pollutants.
