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[Mutual relations between plastic materials and bacteria (author's transl)]

C T Toepfer, E Kanz

    Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie, Parasitenkunde, Infektionskrankheiten Und Hygiene. Erste Abteilung Originale. Reihe B: Hygiene, Praventive Medizin
    |December 1, 1976
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Microorganisms can degrade various synthetic plastics, with Polyurethane rubber, plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Cellulose esters showing significant susceptibility. This study developed novel testing methods to assess plastic biodegradability under diverse environmental conditions.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Polymer Science
    • Environmental Science

    Background:

    • Microbiological degradation of synthetic plastics presents complex challenges.
    • Existing knowledge on bacterial metabolism and hydrocarbon utilization informed the development of new testing techniques.
    • Previous research on microbial corrosion of plastics highlighted the need for reliable assessment methods.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To devise adequate and reliable testing techniques for assessing the microbiological degradation of synthetic plastics.
    • To investigate the biodegradability of various plastic materials using adapted microorganisms.
    • To classify plastics based on their susceptibility to microbial attack under diverse environmental conditions.

    Main Methods:

    • Developed laboratory testing methods based on adapting aerobic microorganisms (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida) to utilize plastics as their sole carbon source.

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  • Employed selective adaptation techniques, including serial passages, for up to 4.5 years, and developed an anaerobic adaptation method for Desulfovibrio desulfuricans.
  • Conducted large-scale field testing with nine plastic materials in twelve different media over 3 months to 2 years, and confirmed results using the manometric dissimilation method (Warburg apparatus).

    • Main Results:

    • Classified plastics into three groups based on bacterial growth stimulation: Group one (strong proliferation) included plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Cellulose esters, and notably, Polyurethane rubber, which showed surface corrosion.
    • Group two (clear but moderate growth) comprised a Polyamide (Nylon).
    • Group three (weak but recognizable growth) included Formaldehyde resins (Bakelite), contrary to expectations of bacteriostatic effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Established effective laboratory and field testing methodologies for evaluating the microbiological degradation of synthetic plastics.
    • Identified Polyurethane rubber as a novel plastic susceptible to significant microbial degradation and surface corrosion.
    • Demonstrated the variability in microbial susceptibility across different plastic types, including unexpected results for Formaldehyde resins.