Identification, quantification and biodegradation of microplastics from personal care products and detergents by microorganism

The pollution of microplastics from personal care products and detergents has raised significant concern. However, technologies for identification, quantification and especially for efficient degradation of microplastics remain underdeveloped. Here, we systematically study the identification and characterization of the micro-plastics using various analytical instrument and biodegrade the microplastics based on the metabolizing of microorganism. Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry identify the main substance of the separated microplastics is polyolefin. Confocal laser scanning microscope images stained with Nile red reveal the shape and size of the microplastics. Energy dispersive spectrometer elemental maps suggest the C/O ratio in the microplastics. The microorganism (the bacteria we selected) grew and inhabited on or in the microplastics, and then metabolized them. The microorganism can metabolize CH2 and C-C to synthesize living substance which is consist of C--O. 0.22 g of microplastics on the filter paper (d = 50 mm) can be degraded completely after 33 days. This work presents a systematical way to identify and characterize the microplastics from washing and care products as well as a green and environmental-friendly protocol to biodegrade of this kind of microplastics.

Automated summary

The pollution of microplastics from personal care products and detergents is a major concern. However, technologies for identifying, quantifying, and degrading microplastics are still underdeveloped. This study systematically investigates the identification and characterization of microplastics using various analytical instruments, as well as the biodegradation of microplastics through the metabolism of microorganisms. The findings provide insights into the composition, shape, and size of microplastics, as well as a green and environmentally friendly approach to their degradation.