SYNTHESIS AND BIODEGRADATION OF HDPE MICROPLASTICS USING BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM POLLUTED RIVERSIDE SOIL

Abstract

Plastic wastes in environment pose an ever-increasing ecological threat towards the environment. Biodegradable plastics can be considered environment friendly, have a range of potential applications. However, the persistent use of petroleum-based plastic products has created a menace to the environment and its sustainability. In this project, degradation of high density polyethylene using microorganisms was analyzed for around 40 days of incubation in liquid culture method. Two bacterial strains, A and B, were isolated from a landfill site to mitigate the degradation of HDPE microplastics. These bacterial strains were allowed to grow on a mineral salts medium (MSM) without a carbon source. A shake flask liquid culture was maintained to observe the growth of bacterial cells when infused with HDPE microplastics. The biodegradation extent of HDPE microplastics was analyzed by recording the reduction in weight of HDPE microplastics before and after bacterial incubation. The morphological and structural changes of HDPE microplastics were observed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, whereas thermo gravimetric analysis could provide degradation rates of microplastic particles with respect to temperature. Therefore, this study is helpful in assessing biodegradation of HDPE microplastics to remediate the environment and provide sustainability.