Biodegradability Study of Linear Low Density Polyethylene and Polypropylene by using Brevibacillus borstelensis under Aerobic Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT The ability of bacteria to attack polymers was investigated in pure shake-flask culture studies. A thermophilic bacterium Brevibacillus borstelensis (MTCC number 1952) utilized linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polypropylene (PP) as the sole carbon and energy sources and degraded them. Screening of LLDPE and PP for first 16 days shows the growth of Brevibacillus borstelensis on polymer films and hence confirmed the presence of biofilm. Bacterial biomass present on the biofilm shows biphasic pattern i.e. increases in protein concentration in first 16 days and then become nearly constant. Incubation of LLDPE and PP with Brevibacillus borstelensis for 60 days at 50°C, 130 rpm under aerobic conditions, reduced their weights by 10.16 and 2.72% respectively. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analysis of LLDPE and PP after 16, 30 and 60 days of incubation with Brevibacillus borstelensis revealed a reduction in carbonyl groups and introduction of new functional groups.