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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Selection and evaluation of microorganisms for biodegradation of agricultural plastic film
Jing Zhang1, Jing Chen1, Ruimin Jia1
11College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100 Shaanxi China.
Abstract:
Three Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolates (HK1, GSDM02, and GSDM15) were tested for effectiveness in biodegradation of plastic films. Isolates were screened by plate on carbon-free medium and by using the clear-zone formation test. Their biodegradation ability was analyzed based on: film weight reduction, pH change of the fluid medium, a soil microbial biomass carbon test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) clear-zone and film weight reduction results revealed that the strain with a bigger clear-zone had a better biodegradation effect, that PVA can be evenly distributed in the medium, and that PVA can be a substitution for polyethylene in screening the biodegradation of strains. SEM and FTIR revealed that HK1 can tear the film apart and make surface chemical changes within 30 days. HK1 exhibited a better biodegradation effect in all tests, indicating its potential for helping solve the plastic pollution problems.
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