Figure 4.

Microbial degradation process of MPs. Microorganisms first colonize the surface of the polymer, forming a biofilm, where the physical, chemical, and mechanical energy of the polymer changes. Biodegradation then takes place, where microbial activity breaks down the polymer into oligomers and monomers. This is followed by assimilation, where microbes obtain carbon sources, energy, and nutrients from the fragmented polymer. Eventually, the microbes mineralize the plastic, converting it to carbon dioxide, water, and other substances. Created with BioRender.com.