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Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Agricultural beneficial microbes accelerate soil degradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) films
Yuan He1,2, Yun Huang1, Yi Dan1
1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering of China (Sichuan University), Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China danyi@scu.edu.cn jianglong@scu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Three common agricultural beneficial microbes, Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, were utilized as effective agents in enhancing the degradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) within a soil environment. All of microbes accelerated the degradation of PBAT. Under specific conditions(Tri15), the degradation rate of PBAT films at 360 days can achieve over 70%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the surface of PBAT films cracks after 360 days of exposure to these three specific microbes because of the degradation of the PBAT. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis reveals that in the presence of these microbes the PBAT undergoes progressive molar-mass reduction. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant shift in the microbial community structure following the introduction of the beneficial microbial inoculants. Specifically, the relative abundances of Alpha-proteobacteria and Beta-proteobacteria were markedly enriched in the treatment groups. Concurrently, FTIR analysis indicated a decrease in the relative intensities of the ester C-O-C (at ∼1260 cm-1) and carbonyl C[double bond, length as m-dash]O (at ∼1710 cm-1) absorption bands. These spectroscopic changes are associated with the cleavage of the polymer backbone. The co-occurrence of this specific bacterial enrichment with the observed chemical changes suggests a potential link between the introduced microbial consortium and the enhanced degradation process.
Insights
Beneficial microbes like Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas fluorescens significantly enhance poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) degradation in soil. These microbes accelerate PBAT breakdown, achieving over 70% degradation within 360 days.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Polymer science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable polyester widely used in packaging.
- Efficient degradation of PBAT in soil environments is crucial for reducing plastic pollution.
- Identifying effective microbial agents for accelerating PBAT breakdown is an active area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of three common agricultural beneficial microbes in enhancing PBAT degradation in soil.
- To investigate the impact of these microbes on PBAT film properties and structure.
- To analyze the changes in soil microbial community structure and chemical bonds during PBAT degradation.
Main Methods:
- Application of Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas fluorescens to PBAT films in a soil environment.
- Monitoring PBAT degradation rates over 360 days.
- Analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), 16S rRNA sequencing, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
Main Results:
- All tested microbes accelerated PBAT degradation, with degradation rates exceeding 70% within 360 days under optimal conditions (Tri15).
- SEM revealed surface cracking, GPC showed progressive molar-mass reduction, and FTIR indicated cleavage of ester and carbonyl bonds in PBAT films.
- 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated enrichment of Alpha-proteobacteria and Beta-proteobacteria in treatment groups, correlating with enhanced degradation.
Conclusions:
- Agricultural beneficial microbes are effective agents for enhancing PBAT degradation in soil.
- The observed degradation is linked to microbial activity, evidenced by structural and chemical changes in PBAT and shifts in microbial communities.
- This study highlights the potential of microbial consortia for accelerating the biodegradation of polyesters in environmental applications.
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