iarjasfrIARJASFRIARJASFR2789-598Xhttps://doi.org/10.47310/iarjsfr.2026.v06i01.001Biotechnology and Its Impact on the Microbial Decomposition of Plastics and Achieving Environmental Sustainability: A ReviewSahar AdnanSheetRaghad HashimYahyaHala AbulelahSaadoonAnas SaadHatemEnvironmental Research Center, University of Mosul, IraqCollege of Management and Economics, University of Mosul, IraqCollege of Fine Arts, University of Mosul, IraqDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Training, Iraq The article concentrates on the importance of biotechnology in solving the problem of plastic waste by utilizing microorganisms and enzymes to break down plastics into simpler, non-toxic polymers. The world's production of plastics has grown rapidly and, due to the little ability of nature to decompose plastics, microbial degradation has become a viable environmental route in sustainable waste management. The article outlines the importance of biotechnology, particularly genetic engineering, enzyme technology and microbial technology, to increase the efficiency of biodegradation by increasing the amount and stability of the enzymes used for degradation, such as PETase, MHETase and ketonease and by broadening the capacity of these enzymes to degrade a wider range of plastics, particularly PET. The article describes the process of microbial degradation as the first step of surface colonization followed by the initial degradation and depolymerization by extracellular enzymes and the assimilation and mineralization of the products to CO₂, H₂O or CH₄. The article also brings to light the differences between the role of bacteria (Bacillus and Pseudomonas) and fungi (Aspergillus and Penicillium) with respect to their adhesion and penetration ability and the nature of the oxidative and degrading enzymes they excrete. The present article will examine a field application-bioremediation-where conditions are created to encourage the activity of microorganisms in soil, water and landfills. It also discusses genomics, proteomics and metabolomics technologies that can be used to create improved strains. It also discusses the need for the environment to reduce the accumulation of plastic and microplastics, reduce harmful by-products and make plastic waste more useful and valuable as a resource in a circular bioeconomy. It also addresses problems of slow decomposition, some polymers that are not readily decomposable, requirement for precise operating conditions, high costs and biosafety concerns related to genetically modified organisms.