Published Paper Details:

Plastic waste constitutes a profound and escalating threat to ecosystems, environmental integrity, and public health. In a notable study conducted within the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, researchers from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research identified Parengyodontium album, a fungal species with the capacity to degrade polyethylene (PE) upon activation by ultraviolet (UV) radiationvl. UV exposure not only induces photochemical weakening of polymeric structures but also enhances their susceptibility to microbial degradation. Nevertheless, under controlled laboratory conditions, P. album demonstrates limited efficacy, primarily targeting surface-bound polymers and proceeding at a notably slow degradation rate. The exploration of microbially mediated plastic degradation is fraught with complexities, stemming from the heterogeneity of polymer structures, variable environmental conditions, and methodological limitations in tracking biodegradation. Conventional analytical techniques, such as gravimetric analysis and spectroscopy, often fall short in accurately tracing the assimilation of polymer-derived carbon into microbial biomass. An alternative avenue has emerged through the biological capabilities of wax worms (Galleria mellonella), which can degrade polyethylene via phenol oxidase enzymes found in their saliva. This discovery has catalyzed interest in enzyme-driven recycling strategies, highlighting their potential scalability and efficiency as viable solutions for plastic waste remediation. Despite the promise of microbial degradation, its implementation on an industrial scale remains constrained. The process is highly dependent on environmental variables, including temperature and polymer composition. Consequently, intensified research efforts are required to enhance the efficiency of biodegradation processes, evaluate their ecological ramifications, and develop robust biotechnological platforms for sustainable and effective plastic waste management.