Bioaugmentation with bacterial consortia for sustainable plastic waste treatment

npj Materials Sustainability 2026 Open access

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Authors: Ritu Ningthoujam, Avnish Nitin Mistry, Luthfia Dwi Rachmani, Saowaluk Krainara, Onruthai Pinyakong, Wanchai Assavalapsakul, Somrudee Meprasert Jitpraphai, Kitipong Angsujinda, Ekawan Luepromchai
DOI: 10.1038/s44296-026-00113-y
Cited by: 1
References: 96

Abstract

Bacterial consortia, with broad metabolism and environmental resilience, show promise for bioaugmentation treatment of plastic wastes. Consortia design principles and plastic degradation enhancements in laboratory and simulated-system studies were reviewed. Practical barriers include narrow polymer scope, long treatment duration, limited scalability, ecological risks, and scarce techno-economic assessments. Bioaugmentation can be realized through the development of bacterial formulations, the integration of pretreatment–bioaugmentation workflows, and the implementation of long-term field trials.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Microplastics and Plastic Pollution Enzyme-mediated dye degradation Microbial bioremediation and biosurfactants

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Materials Sustainability
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
4
Issue
1
Publication date
22 June 2026
Language
EN