Biodegradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) by Paenibacillus Sp. and Serratia Sp. isolated from marine soil sample

Abstract

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is recalcitrant and poses serious threats to our environment. The present study explored the LDPE biodegradation potential of aerobic bacteria enriched from offshore of RK beach Visakhapatnam. These isolates were specifically enriched in MSAM medium which contains LDPE as the source of carbon and energy for the growth. Six strains were isolated; among these S-6 & S-2 are the most potent strains which were attributed to the degrading ability. The phenotypic fingerprint such as Gen III biolog was used to identify the LDPE degrading S-6 as Paenibacillus sp. and S-2 as Serratia sp. respectively. Gen III Microlog, a phenotypic microarray; have been used for analysis of relative capabilities for substrate utilization of S-6 and S- 2 strains. The contact time of 72 h, temperature of 37 °C, pH of 7.1, inoculum volume 4% v/v, and weight of LDPE films 0.030 g were found to be optimal conditions for biodegradation of LDPE. Efficiency of these microbes (Paenibacillus sp. and Serratia sp) in degradation of LDPE was studied by percent weight reduction during a time period of 35 days. The Paenibacillus sps. proved to be most efficient with a weight loss of 22.46% compared to Serratia sps. with a weight loss of 9.5%. These bacterial species are capable of utilising LDPE as the sole carbon and energy source.