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Accelerated degradation of low-density polyethylene by bacteria isolates: Insights from Surabaya River, Indonesia
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"Researchers isolated bacteria from Indonesia's Surabaya River and tested their ability to degrade LDPE plastic over 30 days, finding that Bacillus cereus (isolate M2) was the most effective degrader, causing measurable chemical and physical changes to the plastic surface and outperforming Pseudomonas sihuiensis."
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags were the dominant type of waste in Surabaya River, accounting for 21.16 particles/m 3 in 2021.For both the environment and human health, LDPE poses a significant risk, as it contains plastic additives (plasticizers) with the ability to bind heavy metals such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb).Therefore, this study aimed to compare the plastic degradation abilities of different bacteria isolates in the Surabaya River.Analysis was carried out to explore bacteria growth on plastic surfaces, changes in the chemical structure of the plastic, and the morphological variations of the plastic surface over a 30-day incubation period.Bacteria isolates were collected from a depth of 1.5 meters in the Surabaya River.The results showed that M2 had the highest bacteria growth on the plastic surface, reaching 4210 4 cfu/mL.Additionally, isolates M2, M3, and M4 were able to stretch the plastic's chemical structure affecting O-H, C-H, C=C, and C-O groups, thereby causing visible damage to the plastic surface.The 16S RNA sequencing identified isolates M2, M3, and M4 as Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas sihuiensis.Based on bacteria growth, changes in the plastic chemical structure, and surface damage, the results suggested that Bacillus cereus was more effective in degrading plastic than Pseudomonas sihuiensis.
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Researchers isolated 19 bacterial strains from landfill and mangrove forest soils in Surabaya, screening them for the ability to degrade HDPE and LDPE plastics. A Bacillus sp. achieved 27% HDPE degradation and a Pseudomonas sp. achieved 22% LDPE degradation, identifying indigenous soil microbes as promising candidates for plastic bioremediation.
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Researchers isolated and characterized six bacterial strains from Brantas River, Malang City capable of biodegrading high-density polyethylene (HDPE), finding that isolates K2 (5.41%), K22 (5.16%), and K5 showed measurable plastic degradation in quantitative tests, with phylogenetic analysis confirming their identities.
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Scientists found bacteria living in an Indian lake that can actually break down LLDPE, a common plastic used in bags and packaging, eating away at it over two months and changing its chemical structure. While the degradation was modest (about 6-11% breakdown), this matters because plastic pollution breaks down into microplastics that end up in our water, food, and bodies—so finding natural bacteria that can help clean up this waste offers a promising, eco-friendly tool for tackling plastic pollution before it becomes a bigger health concern.
Exploration of Plastic Degrading Bacteria in the Musi River, PalembangCity
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This study identified and evaluated plastic-degrading bacteria from Indonesia's Musi River using phenotypic and molecular methods, including scanning electron microscopy to assess surface degradation. Three isolates — identified as Bacillus proteolyticus and Bacillus cereus — showed plastic degradation rates of 30–38%, suggesting the Musi River harbors bacteria with potential for bioremediation of plastic pollution.
Characterization and Preliminary Polyethylene Microplastic Degradation Potential of Indigenous Bacteria from the Opak River
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Scientists found bacteria living in an Indonesian river that can naturally break down the surface of polyethylene, one of the most common plastics found in water bottles and packaging (and a major source of the microplastics we're increasingly finding in our food and bodies). While these bacteria only caused early surface damage over 60 days—not full breakdown of the plastic—this discovery could help researchers develop better ways to speed up plastic decomposition in the environment, potentially reducing the microplastic pollution that ends up in our water and food supply.
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