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