Effect of Bisphenol A on human health and its degradation by microorganisms: a review

Bisphenol A (BPA), is an industrially important compound and is widely used for the production of polycarbonates and other plastics. Over the past few years, there have been many issues raised all over the world on the use of BPA. BPA is known to possess estrogenic activities; hence, it mimics the role of estrogen once it enters living systems. Thus, it has been placed in the category of compounds called endocrine disruptors. It can cause damage to reproductive organs, thyroid gland, and brain tissues at developmental stages, and most recently it has also been linked to cancer development in humans. Here, in this review, we aim to summarize the various effects of BPA on humans and animals, and at the same time we wish to throw some light on the emerging field of biodegradation of BPA in the natural environment. A few studies conducted recently have tried to isolate BPA-degrading microorganisms from various sites, like water bodies receiving wastes from industries, landfills, etc. In the present scenario, with huge controversies on the use of BPA, we emphasize on bridging the gap between studies, aiming at finding the damage caused by BPA, and the studies which aim at the safe removal of BPA from the environment, with the help of naturally occurring microbes. Once this gap is filled, we will be able to find a way which will allow the use of BPA in manufacturing plastics, without its accumulation in the environment.