From soil to solution: Bacillus-driven biodegradation of agricultural plastics
Book chapter
Hussain, S., Ullah, S. and Purchase, D. 2026. From soil to solution: Bacillus-driven biodegradation of agricultural plastics. in: Wong, M.H. (ed.) Handbook of Microplastics and Associated Chemicals: Ecological and Health Impacts CRC Press. pp. 275-298
| Chapter title | From soil to solution: Bacillus-driven biodegradation of agricultural plastics |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hussain, S., Ullah, S. and Purchase, D. |
| Abstract | The widespread use of plastic mulch films in modern agriculture has led to significant plastic and microplastic pollution in soils. This chapter examines the potential of Bacillus species as biological agents for degrading conventional plastics such as polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable alternatives, including polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA). It outlines the ecological impacts of plastic mulching and highlights traits of Bacillus, exploring their ecological resilience, enzyme abilities (including lipases, esterases and cutinases), and adaptability in bioremediation. Environmental factors influencing degradation, such as soil pH, temperature, humidity, and additives, are examined. Strategies to enhance efficacy, such as biostimulation, bioaugmentation and synthetic biology, are presented. The chapter also addresses challenges, including slow degradation rates, microplastics (MPs) residues and regulatory gaps. Future directions involving the use of AI-driven tools for microbial community design, metabolic modeling, and real-time soil monitoring for sustainable plastic waste management in agriculture are also discussed. |
| Keywords | Bacillus biodegradation; agricultural plastic waste; microplastics; bioremediation strategies; enzymatic plastic degradation |
| Sustainable Development Goals | 15 Life on land |
| Middlesex University Theme | Sustainability |
| Research Group | Biodiversity, Environment, Conservation and Sustainability |
| Page range | 275-298 |
| Book title | Handbook of Microplastics and Associated Chemicals: Ecological and Health Impacts |
| Editors | Wong, M.H. |
| Publisher | CRC Press |
| ISBN | |
| Hardcover | 9781041061403 |
| Electronic | 9781003633969 |
| Paperback | 9781041061410 |
| Publication dates | |
| Online | 29 Jul 2026 |
| 29 Jul 2026 | |
| Publication process dates | |
| Accepted | 29 Sep 2025 |
| Deposited | 22 Oct 2025 |
| Output status | Published |
| Accepted author manuscript | License File Access Level Open |
| Copyright Statement | This is an Accepted Manuscript of a book chapter published by CRC Press in Handbook of Microplastics and Associated Chemicals Ecological and Health Impacts on July 29, 2026, available online: http://www.routledge.com/9781041061403 |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003633969-15 |
| Related Output | |
| Is part of | https://www.routledge.com/9781041061403 |
| Is part of | https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003633969 |
| Language | English |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/2x9zv9
Restricted files
Accepted author manuscript
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