Biodegradable Potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus safensis Using Low Density Polyethylene Thermoplastic (LDPE) Substrate

Abstract

Increase of plastics accumulation in the environment cause ecological threats and has been one of the serious issue worldwide. In the current study, two bacterial isolated strains Bacillus safensis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens were used for their plastic degradation capabilities. The biodegradation of low density polyethylene thermoplastic was assessed by weight reduction, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and by culture media pH alteration. The results shows that Bacillus safensis was more efficient and degrade 18.6% LDPE than Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that degrade 18% of LDPE after incubation period of 30 days. Moreover, it was also noted that longer incubation periods results in higher biodegradation of low density polyethylene thermoplastic. It is concluded that the biodegrading ability of Bacillus safensis is more than Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as confirm from weight reduction of low density polyethylene thermoplastic.