Mitigation of the environmental impacts caused by microplastics in aquatic ecosystems through bacteria, fungi and higher organisms

Due to their durability, versatility, and low cost, plastic products are essential in today's society. However, these same properties, responsible for their great popularity, also make them an environmental threat, causing serious problems including the release of microplastics (MPs). MPs, defined as polymeric particles smaller than 5 mm, are highly diverse in terms of composition, size, and shape, and are capable of carrying other contaminants and microorganisms on their surface, thus increasing their potential adverse effects. Although MPs are ubiquitously found throughout the planet, their presence is particularly notable in aquatic ecosystems, especially marine ones, as natural water bodies receive the vast majority of plastics dumped into the environment. Recently, bioremediation has been proposed as an interesting alternative to combat the growing problem derived from plastic pollution. Therefore, the objective of this literature review is to analyze possible pathways for the elimination of non-biodegradable MPs of fossil origin in aquatic environments, through bacteria, fungi, and higher organisms, compiling the latest advances in this field.