ABSTRACT

Plastics are carbon-based polymers formed by linking long chains of molecules through polymerization. Poor disposal practices have led to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, posing risks to living organisms, including humans. To address plastic pollution, various methods, including microbial degradation, have been explored. This study focuses on identifying bacteria capable of breaking down plastics. Samples were collected from a petrol station, with soil samples taken from a depth of 2-15 cm and transported to the lab in sterile bottles. Bacterial counts revealed 4.0 ×103cfu/ml. Bacterial isolates including Streptococcus spp., Bacillus subtilis, Arthrobacter sp., and Clostridium spp. were identified using standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical characteristics. Screening using polyethylene glycol identified Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus sp. as having degradative abilities. Degradation experiments involved preparing a degradation medium and treating polyethylene strips with 70% ethanol, rinsing with deionized water, air drying, and weighing. Initial strip weight was 0.57g. Strips were then placed in the degradation medium and shaken in an orbital shaker culture at 37°C for 30 days. Weight loss of the polyethylene strips was observed, with Streptococcus sp. showing a 33% decrease and Bacillus subtilis a 26% decrease, indicating degradation.