Exploitation of enterobacter hormaechei from contaminated natural rubber latex for biodegradation of low-density polyethylene

The escalating problem of plastic pollution presents a critical environmental challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for efficient plastic waste management. Reuse and reduce can prevent the problems caused by plastic waste. However, recycling is inefficient for mixed plastic wastes and often results in low-quality plastics that further break down into microplastics which are impossible to recover and disrupting food chains and environmental health. Biodegradation has become a sustainable approach to tackling the global plastic waste crisis. In this work, a new approach of plastic degradation mechanism inspired by bacterial decomposition of natural rubber (NR) latex was assessed for its potential as a biocatalyst in LDPE plastic degradation. LDPE served as the primary carbon source for biodegradation, while the carbon source from latex was introduced as a co-substrate and microbial enrichment medium, and nutrient broth was used as carbon source during the initial inoculum activation stage. After 45 days exposure to the bacteria the molecular weight decreased by 10% with molecular weight decreased up to 89%. SEM analysis revealed surface erosion, pits, and holes, while FTIR confirmed structural modifications in the degraded plastics, indicating bond alterations compared to the control. GC–MS analysis revealed the degradation products included short-chain alkanols, fatty acids, and esters. These derivatives are more likely to enter natural biogeochemical cycles, mitigating plastic accumulation and contributing to the restoration of soil and water health creating a more sustainable, closed-loop system.