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Rapid screening and phylogenetic analysis of plastic-oxidizing Bacillus relatives from agricultural soil
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This research examined the potential of constructed wetland systems for microplastic removal from wastewater, testing different wetland designs and vegetation types under controlled flow conditions. The study identifies vegetation-enhanced sedimentation as the primary microplastic removal mechanism, with implications for designing effective nature-based treatment systems.
Abstract Background Plastic pollution is an escalating environmental and public health concern, particularly in agricultural and landfill settings where oxygen levels fluctuate. While numerous bacteria have been implicated in plastic biodegradation, few studies have explored the diversity and phylogenetic basis of plastic-oxidizing bacteria enriched directly from soil environments under redox gradients. Results We used a modified Winogradsky column to enrich microbial communities from agricultural soil, embedding low-density polyethylene (LDPE) strips at different oxygen depths. Biofilms were harvested and screened for plastic oxidation ability using a tetrazolium-based redox assay. Ten Bacillus and Bacillus -related isolates were selected for whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic testing under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The assay revealed significant variation in plastic oxidation potential across strains. Closely related species typically exhibited similar phenotypes, suggesting evolutionary conservation of plastic-degrading capacity. However, outliers were identified, suggesting possible horizontal gene transfer or independent acquisition. Notably, several strains displayed plastic-oxidizing activity under anoxic conditions, highlighting previously underappreciated anaerobic plastic degradation potential. Conclusions This study demonstrates that agricultural soils harbor diverse Bacillus relatives with variable but often phylogenetically patterned plastic-oxidizing abilities. The use of Winogradsky columns enabled enrichment of both aerobic and anaerobic degraders, providing insight into ecological versatility. The results underscore the potential of these strains in developing context-specific bioremediation strategies for oxygen-variable environments such as landfills and contaminated soils. Graphical Abstract
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Researchers identified specific bacterial genera capable of degrading multiple types of plastic across different environments including landfill soil, sewage sludge, and river water. They found that certain bacteria, such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus species, consistently appeared as effective plastic degraders regardless of the environment. The study suggests that these universal plastic-degrading bacteria could be valuable candidates for developing bioremediation strategies to address plastic pollution.
Heavy Metal-Resistant, Plastic-Degrading Bacillus sp. Isolated from Landfill Leachate: Identification and Characterization
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Researchers isolated bacteria from Dhaka landfill leachate that simultaneously resist heavy metals and degrade polyethylene, finding a statistical correlation between these traits and identifying resistance genes that spread via horizontal gene transfer. This discovery matters for microplastic research because it reveals that plastic-polluted environments are selecting for novel microbial capabilities, and such bacteria may offer bioremediation pathways for both plastic and metal co-contamination.
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Researchers characterized microbial communities colonizing agricultural plastic mulch debris in soil using both culture-dependent and high-throughput sequencing methods. The plastic surfaces harbored distinct microbial communities compared to surrounding soil. Understanding which microbes colonize agricultural plastic debris is important for assessing biodegradation potential and the ecological role of the plastisphere in farmland.
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