We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Optimization of Polystyrene Biodegradation by Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas alcaligenes Using Full Factorial Design
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers optimized polystyrene microplastic biodegradation using Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas alcaligenes bacteria isolated from contaminated environments, identifying agitation speed and particle size as key factors affecting degradation efficiency.
Microplastics (MP) are a global environmental problem because they persist in the environment for long periods of time and negatively impact aquatic organisms. Possible solutions for removing MP from the environment include biological processes such as bioremediation, which uses microorganisms to remove contaminants. This study investigated the biodegradation of polystyrene (PS) by two bacteria, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas alcaligenes, isolated from environmental samples in which MPs particles were present. First, determining significant factors affecting the biodegradation of MP-PS was conducted using the Taguchi design. Then, according to preliminary experiments, the optimal conditions for biodegradation were determined by a full factorial design (main experiments). The RSM methodology was applied, and statistical analysis of the obtained models was performed to analyze the influence of the studied factors. The most important factors for MP-PS biodegradation by Bacillus cereus were agitation speed, concentration, and size of PS, while agitation speed, size of PS, and optical density influenced the process by Pseudomonas alcaligenes. However, the optimal conditions for biodegradation of MP-PS by Bacillus cereus were achieved at γMP = 66.20, MP size = 413.29, and agitation speed = 100.45. The best conditions for MP-PS biodegradation by Pseudomonas alcaligenes were 161.08, 334.73, and 0.35, as agitation speed, MP size, and OD, respectively. In order to get a better insight into the process, the following analyzes were carried out. Changes in CFU, TOC, and TIC concentrations were observed during the biodegradation process. The increase in TOC values was explained by the detection of released additives from PS particles by LC-MS analysis. At the end of the process, the toxicity of the filtrate was determined, and the surface area of the particles was characterized by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. Ecotoxicity results showed that the filtrate was toxic, indicating the presence of decomposition by-products. In both FTIR spectra, a characteristic weak peak at 1715 cm-1 was detected, indicating the formation of carbonyl groups (-C=O), confirming that a biodegradation process had taken place.
More Papers Like This
Biodegradation of polystyrene microplastic particles by bacterial culture of Bacillus cereus
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tested the ability of Bacillus cereus to biodegrade polystyrene microplastic particles under optimized laboratory conditions using a full factorial experimental design. Parameters tracked included bacterial cell counts, total organic carbon, and carbon concentrations over 30 days. Results suggest B. cereus has measurable potential for microbial remediation of polystyrene microplastics from environmental media.
Bioremediation of water polluted with polystyrene microplastic particles using bacterial culture Pseudomonas alcaligenes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated Pseudomonas alcaligenes as a bioremediation agent for polystyrene and PVC microplastics in aqueous environments, using a full factorial design with variables including particle size, pH, and optical density monitored over 30 days. Carbon concentrations, bacterial growth, and potential toxic metabolite formation were tracked throughout the experiment. The study assessed both biodegradation efficiency and the safety of byproducts produced during the process.
Determination of significant factors for biodegradation of microplastics by Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas alcaligenes
AI summary Read the abstract
This Croatian thesis used screening experiments to identify significant factors affecting biodegradation of microplastics by Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas alcaligenes bacteria. The study characterized optimal conditions for microbial plastic breakdown and enzyme production.
Microbial biodegradation of polystyrene microplastics: isolation, characterization and degradation efficiency of a river-isolated bacterium
AI summary Read the abstract
Bacillus cereus bacteria isolated from a polluted river in India were shown to degrade polystyrene microplastics in laboratory conditions, achieving a 20% weight loss over 30 days. The study identifies a river-sourced bacterium as a candidate microorganism for bioremediation of polystyrene pollution.
Biodegradability of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) microplastics by floc-forming bacteria, Bacillus cereus strain SHBF2 isolated from a commercial aquafarm
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tested whether common bacteria could biologically degrade polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene microplastics, finding measurable but slow biodegradation over extended periods. Identifying microorganisms capable of breaking down these persistent plastics could eventually contribute to bioremediation strategies for microplastic pollution in soils and water.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.