Abstract

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE DEGRADING BACILLUS SPP. FROM GARBAGE DUMP SITES

Kartikey Kumar Gupta and Deepa Devi*

Abstract

Present study investigates an ecofriendly approach for the degradation of Low Density Polyethylene that may persist in the environment for a long period of time due to its recalcitrant nature and creates major threat for the environment. Plastic contaminated soil samples were collected from three sampling sites and sixteen bacterial isolates were selected on the basis of cultural characteristics. All the isolates were studied for their biodegradability by clear zone method on minimal salt medium. Three isolates namely ISJ51, ISJ55and ISJ57 were considered positive for polyethylene degradation on the basis of halo zone produced around the bacterial colony after treatment with coomassie blue solution. By standard morphological and biochemical characterization, the isolates were probably identified as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium.

Keywords: Plastics, Biodegradation, Screening, clear zone, Bacillus sp., LDPE.