Harnessing bio and (Photo)catalysts for microplastics degradation and remediation in soil environment

Adamu H 1 , Bello U 2 , IbrahimTafida U 3 , Garba ZN 4 , Galadima A 5 , Lawan MM 6 Show all authors , Abba SI 7 , Qamar M 8

Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Environmental Management Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Yelwa Campus, 740272, Bauchi, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria. Electronic address: hadamu2@atbu.edu.ng
  • 2 Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria; Biofuel and Biochemical Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi, PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, 32610, Malaysia
  • 3 Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi Campus, 740102, Bauchi, Nigeria
  • 4 Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, 810107, Zaria, Nigeria
  • 5 Department of Chemistry, Federal University Gusau, Nigeria
  • 6 Department of Chemistry, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria
  • 7 Department of Chemical Engineering, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia; Water Research Centre, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia
  • 8 Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management (IRC-HTCM), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
J Environ Manage, 2024 Nov;370:122543.
PMID: 39305881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122543

Abstract

Soil pollution by microplastics (MPs) is an escalating environmental crisis with far-reaching consequences. However, current research on the degradation and/or remediation of MPs has mainly focused on water-simulated environments, with little attention given to soil MPs. Therefore, the review explores such terrestrial territory, exploring the potential of biodegradation and novel photocatalytic technologies for MPs degradation/remediation in soil. This review comprehensively investigates the potential of biological and photocatalytic approaches for soil MPs degradation and remediation. A temporal analysis of research from 2004 to 2024 highlights the increasing focus on this critical issue. The review explores the biocatalytic roles of diverse enzymes, including cutinase, PETase, MHETase, hydrolase, lipase, laccase, lignin peroxidase, and Mn-peroxidase, in MPs degradation. Strategies for enzyme engineering, such as protein engineering and immobilization, are explored to enhance catalytic efficiency. The potential for developing enzyme consortia for optimized MP degradation is also discussed. Photocatalytic remediation using TiO2, ZnO, clay, hydrogel, and other photocatalysts is examined, emphasizing their mechanisms and effectiveness. Computational modeling is proposed to deepen understanding of soil MPs-catalyst interactions, primarily aiming to develop novel catalysts tailored for soil environments for environmental safety and sustainable restoration. A comparative analysis of biological and photocatalytic approaches evaluates their environmental implications and the potential for synergistic combinations, with emphasis on soil quality protection, restoration and impact on soil ecosystems. Hence, this review accentuates the urgent need for innovative solutions to address MPs pollution in soil and provides a foundational understanding of the current knowledge gaps, as well as paves the way for future research and development.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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