A Review on Plastisphere
Abstract
Plastic waste contamination has emerged as a growing ecological issue of great significance. Plastic
has been found in various environments, including within the human body, creating a growing threat
to both ecosystems and people. In the ocean, plastic debris undergoes gradual fragmentation into tiny particles known as microplastics due to the disruption of physical and chemical processes. These
microplastics serve as a habitat for diverse microbial communities, such as fungi, diatoms, and
bacteria, which form biofilms called plastisphere on the surface of the plastic. In the present review,
we summarized the studies related to its formation and things classified in plastisphere. There is also
a major distribution found in the plastisphere world. The crucial part to biodegrade the plastics in
marine environment is also discussed. The composition of the microorganism community in the
plastisphere can be greatly influenced by the depth at which microplastics are found in the ocean and the nutrients present in the surrounding saltwater. There is a rising curiosity surrounding the
contribution of bacteria and other microorganisms in breaking down environmentally harmful
plastics. The aim is to harness their potential and find effective ways to address the issue of plastic
pollution. This includes exploring the possibility of using their abilities to develop improved enzymes
for more efficient recycling facilities, landfills, and tackling plastic waste in the oceans. The
plastisphere attracts higher creatures such as algae and tiny invertebrates, establishing a complex
and dynamic ecosystem on floating plastic particles.
Keywords: Biodegradation, biofilm, community, ecosystems, microorganisms, microplastics,
plastisphere
INTRODUCTION
Plastic is an artificial material consisting of polymers, elongated molecular chains derived from
petroleum or other origins. Due to its affordability, adaptability, and convenience, it has gained
extensive usage across various industries and everyday consumer goods, owing to its versatility and
long-lasting nature. Plastic has emerged as the most prevalent type of marine waste.
Keyworde: Biodegradation, biofilm, community, ecosystems, microorganisms, microplastics, plastisphere
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