Degradation of low density polyethylene by Bacillus species

Abstract

Since its invention, polyethylene (PE) has brought many conveniences to human production and life. In recent years, however, environmental pollution and threats to human health caused by insufficient PE recycling have attracted widespread attention. Biodegradation is a potential solution for preventing PE pollution. In this study, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, which are widespread in the environment, were examined for their PE degradation abilities. Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was assessed by weight loss, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. Weight losses of 3.49% and 2.83% were observed for samples exposed to strains B. subtilis ATCC6051 and B. licheniformis ATCC14580 for 30 days. Optical microscopy revealed obvious structural changes, such as cracks, pits, and roughness, on the surfaces of the microorganism-exposed LDPE sheets. Oxidation of the LDPE sheet surfaces was also demonstrated by the FTIR-based observation of carbon-unsaturated, –OH, –NO, –C=C, and –C–O bonds. These results support the notion that B. subtilis ATCC6051 and B. licheniformis ATCC14580 can degrade PE and could potentially be used as PE-biodegrading microorganisms. Further research is needed to examine potential relevant degradation mechanisms, such as those involving key enzymes.

Investigation of physical and rheological properties of LDPE/HDPE/thermoplastic starch biodegradable blend films

“…By adding TS, the bands appeared at regions of 3200–3400, 2850–2900, 1600–1700, 1300–1450, and 850–950 cm −1 are attributed to O‐H stretching and CH 2 stretching vibrations, ‐C‐C‐ stretching, O‐H bending, and ‐C‐C‐ bending, respectively. In addition, the bands at region of 960–1190 cm −1 correspond to a strong set of C‐O bending and stretching of the characteristic peaks for starch 23–26 . There was no change in LDPE peaks when it was blended with starch, indicating that PE and starch are immiscible.…”

“…In addition, the bands at region of 960-1190 cm À1 correspond to a strong set of C-O bending and stretching of the characteristic peaks for starch. [23][24][25][26] There was no change in LDPE peaks when it was blended with starch, indicating that PE and starch are immiscible. The peak of 1721 cm À1 has appeared in the LD85/HD15/TS30 specimen, which may be related to the carbonyl group and possibly regarding to the oxidation reaction during the extrusion process.…”

Environmental processes and health implications potentially mediated by dust‐borne bacteria

“…Our analysis revealed the presence of highly potentially active microorganisms engaged in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, suggesting a positive element cycle within the community. Methylobacterium , Geodermatophilus , Bacillus and Dietzia contribute to carbon availability through organic compound biodegradation (Kong et al, 2022 ; Sandhu et al, 2022 ; Venil et al, 2021 ; Yao et al, 2022 ; Yoshikawa et al, 2017 ; Zhang et al, 2013 ). Pseudomonas exhibited metabolic activity across all samples, suggesting active heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification processes over the dust particulates (Zhang et al, 2022 ).…”

Exploring Microorganisms from Plastic-Polluted Sites: Unveiling Plastic Degradation and PHA Production Potential

“…This quality positions it as a promising microbial tool for biodegradation. Other than PET's degrading potential [68], Yao et al reported the ability of B. subtilis ATCC6051 to degrade PE [69], and it has been listed as a potential PU degrader [70].…”