Polystyrene Microplastics Degradation by Microbial Consortium From Jakarta Bay

ABSTRACT The continuously increasing accumulation of microplastics in the environment, such as polystyrene (PS), has posed an ecological and health threat. However, the information and biodegradation capability of plastics, including polystyrene, was still in the infancy stage in Indonesia. This study explored the potential of microbial consortia from Jakarta Bay to degrade polystyrene microplastics. The consortia were obtained from plastic waste with biofilms on their surfaces, collected from three stations in Jakarta Bay. The research enriched the biofilm's consortia using 1/10 Zobell marine broth media supplemented with 0.1% PS microplastics. Using enriched cultures, biodegradation tests were performed in a mineral salt medium with 0.2% PS microplastics as a sole carbon source for 60 days at 27°C, 120 rpm. Microbial consortia from Jakarta Bay showed an ability to perform polystyrene biodegradation. The calculated weight loss of the microplastics after 60 days of incubation was between 4% and 6.4%. The biodegradation of PS microplastics by the microbial consortium was also indicated by FTIR spectra, which showed changes in functional group transmittances and were confirmed by SEM data showing holes formation on PS surfaces. The results provide a baseline study for further research development in Indonesia's polystyrene biodegradation technology and management.