Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used plastic and its use has increased over the past few decades due to its extensive properties. The increased use of plastic generates an increasing amount of plastic waste making waste management more challenging and ultimately contributing to plastic pollution. One possible solution to this issue is the biodegradation of LDPE by utilizing microorganisms which can be advantageous economically and environmentally. There are no studies specifically addressing the biodegradation of vegetable packaging LDPE films by bacteria isolated from waste disposal sites. In this study, bacteria that can degrade vegetable packaging LDPE films were isolated from waste disposal site located in Langdiyawas, Jaipur, Rajasthan. The isolates were screened for LDPE biodegradation using clear zone assay. In the presence of LDPE powder, isolates IRB1 and IRB13 were able to grow and produce clear zone surrounding the colony. Weight loss analysis has been done after 120 days of incubation to assess the biodegrading capability of the isolates. Isolates IRB1 and IRB13 significantly reduced the weight of LDPE film, resulting in weight loss of 19.94 ± 2.15% and 25.08 ± 1.18%, respectively. The efficacy of isolates was further confirmed using biofilm formation, hydrophobicity, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. IRB1 and IRB13 have been identified as Enterobacter sp. and Bacillus sp., respectively by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Both isolates have shown promising results towards LDPE biodegradation and could aid in the management of plastic waste, hence reducing plastic pollution.
Low Density Polyethylene, Biodegradation, Weight Loss, Biofilm Formation, Hydrophobicity
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