Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene using Brevibacillus brevis strain CSK isolated from plastics dumped soil

Abstract

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has become a vital component of daily human existence. However, excessive usage resulted in build-up in the environment, producing environmental pollution, since there were no safe and appropriate disposal techniques available. Biodegradation is the most effective way to reduce synthetic plastic waste pollution in a sustainable manner. This study focused on the bacterial degradation of LDPE films using a novel isolate of Brevibacillus brevis strain CSK obtained from soil samples collected from a 20–30 years-old plastic waste dump at Yercaud foothills in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India. The bacterial isolate B. brevis strain CSK degraded LDPE film after screening and exhibited has been condensed to focus mainly on the degradation rate (9.77% ± 0.42 in 30 days), key analytical methods (UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR, FE-SEM), and implications for eco-friendly biodegradation. The ATR-FTIR analysis of LDPE degraded film distinctive peaks corresponding to functional groups, with observable peak shifts in the treated films. FE-SEM analysis revealed biofilm formation, and topographical changes such as cracks, pits, cavities, and roughness in treated LDPE films. The research emphasizes the bacterial isolate’s potential for secure and efficient microbial remediation of LDPE films.

Keywords

Plastics pollution / Biodegradation / Microbial remediation / Low-density polyethylene / Brevibacillus brevis strain CSK and environmental sustainability

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