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Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene and polypropylene by microbes isolated from Vaigai River, Madurai, India
K Nanthini Devi1, P Raju1, P Santhanam2
1Marine Planktonology and Aquaculture Lab, Department of Marine Science, School of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620 024, India.
Abstract:
The present study aimed to evaluate the microplastic degradation efficiency of bacterial isolates collected from Vaigai River, Madurai, India. The isolates were processed with proper methods and incorporated in to the UV-treated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) degradation. Based on preliminary screening, four bacterial isolates such as Bacillus sp. (BS-1), Bacillus cereus (BC), Bacillus sp. (BS-2), and Bacillus paramycoides (BP) were proceed to further degradation experiment for 21 days. The microplastics were filled with bacterial isolates which is use microplastic (PE, PP) as carbon source for their growth and proceed for shake flask experiment were carried out by two approaches with control. The microplastic degradation was confirmed through their weight loss, increasing fragmentations and changes of surface area against control experiments (microplastic without isolates) also confirms degrading efficiency of isolated bacterial strains through non-changes in their weight and surface area. The highest degradation of PP and PE were observed in BP (78.99 ± 0.005%), and BC (63.08 ± 0.009%) in single approach, while in combined approach BC & BP recorded the highest degradation in both PP (78.62 ± 2.16%), and PE (72.50 ± 20.53%). The formation of new functional groups is confirming the biofilm formation in the surface area of microplastics by isolates and proving their efficiency in degrade the microplastics. The degradation of microplastic experiments should be cost effective and zero waste which is helpful to save the environment and the present findings could reveal the way to degrade the microplastics and prevent the microplastic pollution in aquatic environment.
Insights
Bacterial isolates from India's Vaigai River effectively degraded polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics. Bacillus paramycoides and Bacillus cereus showed significant degradation, offering a cost-effective solution to microplastic pollution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems worldwide.
- Effective and sustainable methods for microplastic degradation are urgently needed.
- Bacterial bioremediation offers a promising avenue for addressing plastic waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the microplastic degradation efficiency of bacterial isolates from the Vaigai River.
- To identify specific bacterial strains capable of degrading polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics.
- To assess the potential of these isolates for cost-effective and eco-friendly microplastic remediation.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and screening of bacteria from Vaigai River sediment.
- Incubation of UV-treated PE and PP microplastics with selected bacterial isolates (Bacillus sp. BS-1, Bacillus cereus BC, Bacillus sp. BS-2, Bacillus paramycoides BP) for 21 days.
- Shake flask experiments conducted in single and combined bacterial approaches with controls.
- Analysis of degradation efficiency through weight loss, fragmentation, surface area changes, and functional group analysis (FTIR).
Main Results:
- Bacillus paramycoides (BP) showed the highest single-isolate degradation of PP (78.99%) and PE (63.08%).
- Bacillus cereus (BC) demonstrated significant degradation in combined approaches, degrading PP (78.62%) and PE (72.50%).
- Weight loss, increased fragmentation, and surface area changes confirmed bacterial degradation, supported by biofilm formation and new functional groups.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial isolates, particularly Bacillus paramycoides and Bacillus cereus, are effective in degrading PE and PP microplastics.
- The study demonstrates a cost-effective, zero-waste approach to microplastic degradation.
- These findings offer a viable strategy for mitigating microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
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