Biofilm mediated degradation of commercially available LDPE films by bacterial strains isolated from partially degraded plastic

Abstract

Biodegradation is an attractive approach for the elimination of synthetic polymers, pervasively accumulated in natural environments and generating ecological problems. The present work investigated the degradation of low‐density polyethylene (PE) by three Bacillus sp., that is, ISJ36, ISJ38, and ISJ40. The degree of biodegradation was assessed by measuring hydrophobicity, viability, and total protein content of bacterial biofilm attached to the PE surface. Although all three bacterial strains were able to establish an active biofilm community on the PE surface, ISJ40 showed better affinity toward PE degradation than the other two. Bacterial colonization and physical changes on the PE surface were visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed alteration in the intensities of functional groups along with an increase in the carbonyl bond indexes. The study results suggest that the Bacillus strain ISJ40 can be used as a potential degrader for the eco‐friendly treatment of PE waste.