Abstract：
The extensive utilization and inadequate handling of plastics have resulted in severe environmental ramifications. In particular, plastics composed solely of a carbon-carbon (C-C) backbone exhibit limited degradation due to the absence of hydrolyzable functional groups. Plastics with enduring longevity in the natural environment are susceptible to environmental factors and their intrinsic properties, subsequently undergoing a series of aging processes that culminate in biodegradation. This article focuses on polystyrene (PS), which constitutes 20% of total plastic waste, as a case study. Initially, the application of PS in life and the impacts it poses are introduced. Following that, the key factors influencing the aging of PS are discussed, primarily encompassing its properties (e.g., surface characteristics, additives) and environmental factors (e.g., water matrices, biofilms). Lastly, an overview of microbial degradation of PS is provided, including potential microorganisms involved in PS degradation (bacteria, fungi, algae, and insects), four processes of microbial degradation (colonization, bio-fragmentation, assimilation, and mineralization), and potential mechanisms of microbial degradation. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted influences affecting the aging and biodegradation mechanisms of PS, thereby contributing valuable insights for the future management of plastic pollution.
摘要：
塑料的广泛利用和不充分处理导致了严重的环境后果。特别是,由于不存在可水解官能团，仅由碳-碳（C-C）主链组成的塑料表现出有限的降解。在自然环境中具有持久寿命的塑料易受环境因素及其固有特性的影响，随后经历了一系列老化过程，最终导致生物降解。本文主要研究聚苯乙烯(PS)，占塑料垃圾总量的20%，作为一个案例研究。最初，介绍了PS在生活中的应用及其带来的影响。在此之后,讨论了影响PS老化的关键因素，主要包括其属性(例如，表面特性，添加剂)和环境因素(例如，水基质，生物膜）。最后,概述了PS的微生物降解，包括参与PS降解的潜在微生物(细菌，真菌,藻类,和昆虫)，微生物降解的四个过程(定殖，生物破碎，同化,和矿化)，以及微生物降解的潜在机制。这项研究提供了对影响PS老化和生物降解机制的多方面影响的全面了解，从而为未来的塑料污染管理提供有价值的见解。
