Isolation of Microorganisms Causing Biodegradation of Plastics

Abstract

The present study describes the isolation of microorganisms from compost with the ability to degrade BOPP film. Several bacterial strains and actinomycetes strains were isolated by three techniques: i. by compost burial method; ii. by incubating BOPP film in synthetic media; and iii. isolation from air. Bacterial strains attached on the BOPP film, after compost burial for 45 days, were found to be Gram positive, rod shaped bacteria and identified as Bacillus sp. Actinomycetes strains isolated were showing Gram positive, rod shaped character. All the isolated strains (bacteria and actinomycetes) were screened for their ability to degrade BOPP films in synthetic media. As the growth of microbes proportionally increased in synthetic media so it was predicted that the microbes were solely dependent on BOPP films for its carbon source. Biodegradation of polymer films was evaluated by percent weight loss of polymer after degradation and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Percent weight loss of polymer after degradation was found to be higher in compost burial method (8.2%) than culturing in synthetic media (2.01%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the degradation of the polymer.