Penicillium simplicissimum was isolated from a local dumpsite of Shivamogga district for use in the biodegradation of polyethylene. Degradation was carried out using autoclaved, UV-treated and surface-sterilized polyethylene. Degradation was monitored by observing weight loss and changes in physical structure by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. P. simplicissimum was able to degrade treated polyethylene (38 %) more efficiently than autoclaved (16 %) and surface-sterilized polyethylene (7.7 %). Enzymes responsible for polyethylene degradation were screened from P. simplicissimum. Enzymes were identified as laccase and manganese peroxidase. These enzymes were produced in large amount, enzyme activity was calculated using spectrophotometric method, and crude extraction of enzymes was carried out. Molecular weight of laccase was determined as 66 kDa and that of manganese peroxidase was 60 kDa. Capacity of crude enzymes to degrade polyethylene was also determined. By observing these results, we can conclude that P. simplicissimum may act as solution for the problem caused by polyethylene in nature.

Trichoderma harzianum was isolated from local dumpsites of Shivamogga District for use in the biodegradation of polyethylene. Soil sample of that dumpsite was used for isolation of T. harzianum. Degradation was carried out using autoclaved, UV-treated, and surface-sterilized polyethylene. Degradation was monitored by observing weight loss and changes in physical structure by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. T. harzianum was able to degrade treated polyethylene (40%) more efficiently than autoclaved (23%) and surface-sterilized polyethylene (13%). Enzymes responsible for polyethylene degradation were screened from T. harzianum and were identified as laccase and manganese peroxidase. These enzymes were produced in large amount, and their activity was calculated using spectrophotometric method and crude extraction of enzymes was carried out. Molecular weight of laccase was determined as 88 kDa and that of manganese peroxidase was 55 kDa. The capacity of crude enzymes to degrade polyethylene was also determined. By observing these results, we can conclude that this organism may act as solution for the problem caused by polyethylene in nature.

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Objective: To isolate Natural Rubber degrading Bacteria from soil and to screen the enzymes responsible for Natural Rubber degradation. Methods: Soil burial method was followed for isolation of bacteria. Plate assay method and liquid assay method by using Mineral Salt Medium was followed for screening of bacteria for its capacity to degrade Natural rubber. Degradation was confirmed by weight loss experiment, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) studies. Enzymes responsible for Natural rubber degradation were screened and their activity was measured by spectrophotometric method. Results: Isolated organism was identified as Bacillus pumilus. It was able to degrade Natural rubber which was confirmed by weight loss, SEM and FTIR studies. From the current work it was studied that Laccase and Manganese peroxidase were the enzymes which were responsible for Natural rubber degradation. Conclusion: From current investigation, it can be concluded that our isolated bacterial strain Bacillus pumilus have the capacity to degrade Natural rubber and it can be useful in solving the problem caused by waste Natural rubber products in the environment.