Biodegradation of untreated plasticizers-free linear low-density polyethylene films by marine bacteria

Polyethylene significantly contributes to marine plastic pollution. This study focuses on isolating bacteria from sea water and microplastic samples collected from the Tyrrhenian Sea and evaluating their ability to degrade virgin plasticizers-free linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films. The i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2024-12, Vol.209 (Pt A), p.117115, Article 117115
Main Authors: Bajo, Kejvin, Romano, Roberta, Kolvenbach, Boris, Nazemi, Seyed Amirabbas, Shahgaldian, Patrick, Corvini, Philippe F.-X., Fava, Fabio, Raddadi, Noura
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacillus - metabolism
Bacteria - metabolism
Biodegradation
Biodegradation, Environmental
Biofilms
Marine Bacillus sp
Marine litter
Marine Vreelandella sp
Plasticizer-free linear low-density polyethylene film
Plasticizers
Polyethylene
Seawater - microbiology
Untreated LLDPE
Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
Water Pollutants, Chemical - metabolism
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Summary:Polyethylene significantly contributes to marine plastic pollution. This study focuses on isolating bacteria from sea water and microplastic samples collected from the Tyrrhenian Sea and evaluating their ability to degrade virgin plasticizers-free linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films. The isolates grew on the plastic film under aerobic conditions in shaken flasks leading to LLDPE mass losses of up to 2.597 ± 0.971 % after 60 days incubation. Biofilm formation on the film surface was confirmed by adhered protein quantification while film surface erosion and appearance of functional groups were revealed using SEM and FTIR analyses confirming biodegradation capabilities especially for isolates Bacillus velezensis MT9, Vreelandella venusta MT1 and Vreelandellatitanicae MT11. This is the first report on the biodegradation of plasticizers-free non pretreated LLDPE films by marine Bacillus sp. and Vreelandella sp.; most of the LLDPE biodegradation studies have been so far performed on plasticizer containing, pre-treated, or naturally weathered films. [Display omitted] •Untreated plasticizers-free LLDPE films biodegradation by marine bacteria assessed•Bacillus sp. and Vreelandella sp. grow and form biofilm on LLDPE film surface.•Highest mass loss (2.597 ± 0.971 %) recorded with B. velezensis MT9 after 60 days•Film biodegradation supported by FTIR and SEM analyses
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117115