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Marine bacteria capable of enzymatic degrading of low- and high-density polyethylene: Toward sustainable mitigation of marine microplastic pollution
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Scientists discovered ocean bacteria that can break down common plastic types found in marine pollution, with some bacteria destroying up to 17% of the plastic in lab tests. These naturally occurring bacteria could potentially be used to help clean up the tiny plastic particles that contaminate our oceans and eventually enter our food chain through seafood. While still in early research stages, this finding offers hope for a biological solution to reduce the microplastics that may pose health risks when we consume contaminated fish and shellfish.
The persistence of polyethylene (PE) plastics, particularly low-density (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), has become a major contributor to marine microplastic pollution due to their recalcitrant nature and slow degradation rate.This study aimed to identify and characterize marine bacterial isolates capable of degrading LDPE and HDPE under laboratory conditions.Sediment and seawater samples were collected from plasticpolluted coastal areas, and bacterial isolates were cultured on mineral basal medium supplemented with LDPE and HDPE powders as the sole carbon source.Biodegradation efficiency was evaluated through quantitative weightloss analysis and qualitative assessment using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).Among 16 isolates obtained, four exhibited notable degradation abilities.The isolates ALD3 and SHD showed the highest degradation rates for LDPE (17.42%) and HDPE (11.12%), respectively.SEM revealed substantial surface erosion and cracking, while FTIR confirmed the formation of carbonyl and hydroxyl functional groups, indicating oxidative degradation of the polyethylene chains.Molecular identification via 16S rRNA sequencing classified the most active isolates as Pseudoalteromonas sp. and Bacillus albus.These findings demonstrate that marine-derived bacteria possess promising enzymatic potential for polyethylene biodegradation and could serve as sustainable biocatalysts in mitigating marine microplastic pollution.Further studies focusing on enzyme characterization and optimization of environmental parameters are recommended to enhance biodegradation efficiency in natural marine ecosystems.These findings provide a foundation for developing enzyme-based bioreactors for in situ microplastic remediation in marine environments.
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