Comparative Biodegradation Studies of LDPE and HDPE Using Bacillus weihenstephanensis Isolated from Garbage Soil

摘要

Polyethylene has achieved an inseparable place in our life due to its recalcitrant nature, durability and cost, especially as a packaging material. Attributable to its inactive nature and degradation resistant property, its collection in nature has turned out to be tremendous. In the present study, polyethylene degrading bacterium was isolated from the garbage soil from Kolhapur and screened under in vitro condition. Through the 16S ribosomal RNA gene partial sequence, the isolated bacterium was identified as Bacillus weihenstephanensis. Polyethylene sheets, only source of carbon, along with synthetic media were incubated on a rotary shaker at 30°C and 110 rpm for 6 months. The biodegraded samples of LDPE and HDPE exhibited weight loss (7.02% and 7.08%, respectively). The biodegradation of LDPE and HDPE sheets was further investigated through FTIR spectroscopy which has confirmed the weakening and breaking of existing bonds and also the formation of new functional carbonyl group (C-O) at 1262 cm-1, 1745 cm-1 and 799 cm-1 which is a result of microbial activity.