Volume : 5, Issue : 3, March - 2016

BIODEGRADATION OF LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE BY BACTERIA FROM GARBAGE SOIL IN MUTHUPET

K. Meharajfathimabevi, R. Bharathidasan, L. Prince

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp; Plastic have been widely used as a packing material in the form of Low density A (LDPE) Continuous accumulation of plastic in the environment can cause threat to humanity and environment. In order to stop the accumulation of plastic and to make the surroundings free from plastic, microbes are isolated from muthupet areas Garbage soil. These microbes are screened by clear zone technique using polythene cover to confirm the degradation activity. Biodegradation of polythene cover and straw (Polypropylene and poly styrene) by the isolated organisms and its makes physical and structural changes over a period of time after microbial adhesion to the granules. To check the efficiency of biodegradation, weight method was performed under laboratory conditions for 15, 30, and 45 days. Experimental data revealed that Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Enzyme responsible for polyethylene degradation were screened from Bacillus subtilis. Enzymes were identified as Amylase. These enzymes were produced in large amount, enzyme activity was calculated using spectrophotometric method. By observing these results we can conclude that, Bacillus subtilis may act as solution for the problem caused by polyethylene in nature.</p>