Abstract

MICROBIAL DEGRADTION OF POLYESTER POLYUREATHANE

Devipriya R. Majumder*, Kirti Mudliar and Dhanashree Pasalkar

Abstract

The present study focuses on isolation of microorganisms viz. bacteria, lower and higher fungi from polluted sites having plastic waste products and checking their ability to degrade polyureathane (PU). Different fungal isolates were screened for degradation of PU for 15 to 30 days. Incubation of PU (1x1 inch and 1mm thickness) with isolated fungi and bacteria resulted in weight reduction of PU film. The preliminary studies showed that one isolate was a Bacillus sp, three isolates were lower fungi species viz, Aspergillus sp, Trichoderma sp. and Penicillum sp and one higher fungi species i.e. Leucoagaricus sp. Bacillus sp after 3 months showed complete degradation of the whole PU sheet. The isolates showed weight reduction of PU viz. Aspergillus sp41.16%, Trichoderma sp 72.31%, Penicillum sp 41.68%, Leucoagaricus sp 79.69% and Bacillus sp 40.18%. The SEM results showed cell growth, crack and holes on the PU film. The work is concluded with a comparative account of the degradability of the fungal isolates and bacteria.

Keywords: Polyureathane, biodegradation, Bacillus sp, Aspergillus sp, Trichoderma sp, Penicillum sp, Leucoagaricus sp.