Enhanced microbial strategies to mitigate microplastic transfer via composting to agricultural ecosystems—A short review

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of critical concern, acting as substrates for microbial colonization while releasing toxic compounds. Composting, a key method for organic waste recycling, serves as a major pathway for MPs to enter agricultural ecosystems but MPs disturb decomposition processes and alter microbial successions. This review explores interactions between MPs and microbial communities in composting, focusing on plastisphere dynamics and ecological implications. Microbial strategies including biostimulation, bioaugmentation, advanced composting technologies, and innovations in synthetic biology are highlighted for mitigating MP impacts. Advanced approaches, including hyperthermophilic or mineral-supplemented composting paired with plastic-degrading microbes, are viable options in practical composting. Future research should prioritize microbial interactions in the composting plastisphere, enzyme identification, and biosynthetic pathway optimization by interdisciplinary approaches to achieve sustainable organic waste management.