Advancements in polypropylene biodegradation: A comprehensive microbial and analytical review

Abstract

Plastic is an artificial material formed of polymers with a high molecular weight. The rise in production and use of plastic products is emerging as a significant environmental issue. With the global production of plastics surpassing 380 million tons annually, the ubiquity and versatility of polypropylene (PP) stand out as significant contributors. It is also known as a packaging plastic because of its user-friendly applications. The properties of PP, such as durability, low cost, and wide uses, create a major environmental threat to soil, air, and water. The ability of microorganisms to degrade plastics is a promising eco-friendly technique for the upcoming days. This review highlights microbes, including bacteria and fungi, insects and larvae which have found the potential ability for biodegradation of polypropylene. It focuses on promising materials and analytical methods, such as physical, spectroscopic, and thermal. These methods include Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(NMR), Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry(GC-MS),Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction(XRD).It includes recent experimental findings and mechanisms for polypropylene biodegradation and future recommendations. Through a comprehensive examination of PP plastics, this review provides valuable insights into their production, applications, biodegradation and environmental implications. Understanding the complexity of PP allows us to support informed control and promote sustainable plastic usage and waste management methods.