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Isolation and Identification of Low Density Polyethylene Degrading Bacteria from Selected Dumpsites n Maiduguri, Borno State
Summary
This study isolated and characterized bacterial strains capable of degrading low-density polyethylene (LDPE), one of the most widely used and environmentally persistent plastic types. The identified bacteria showed measurable weight loss and surface degradation of LDPE films over the study period, indicating enzymatic activity against the polymer. These findings contribute to the growing field of bioremediation and suggest potential for microbial-based approaches to plastic waste management.
Low density polyethylene (LDPE) along with other synthetic plastic is nonbiodegradable and poses a significant threat to the environment.This study aimed to screen and identify indigenous bacterial isolates capable of degrading LDPE.The study involved determining some physicochemical components (organic matter, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity and temperature) of soil samples collected from five selected dumpsites within Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State.A total of 12 bacterial isolates were identified using morphologic and biochemical test according to standard protocols.The percentage of weight loss and structural changes in the LDPE was determined using weight loss experiment and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis respectively.From the result of the study, bacterial strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Providencia rettgeri, Flavobacterium sp. and Bacillus spp., were the common isolates that showed LDPE degradation abilities.In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Providencia rettgeri exhibited significant (25%) while Bacillus sp. and Flavobacterium sp.exhibited (9%) LDPE degradation capabilities and the FTIR analysis that showed peaks shifting, indicates bond stretching, bond bending, and new bond formation.It was concluded therefore, that the high LDPE degradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Providencia rettgeri may partly reflect their potentials in bioremediation strategies for plastic waste in land fields and dumpsites found in Maiduguri metropolis.