Biodegradation Potential of LDPE-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Long-Term Plastic Landfills in Madurai
Abstract
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used but poses serious environmental and health risks when improperly discarded, highlighting the need for effective waste management. Conventional disposal methods are inadequate, making microbial bioremediation a promising and sustainable alternative for plastic degradation. This study aimed to investigate the potential of novel bacterial isolates obtained from long-term plastic waste landfills to degrade LDPE by utilizing polyethylene as their sole carbon source. Partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified Acinetobacter bereziniae (PD6), Staphylococcus epidermidis (PD9), and Bacillus cereus (PD13) as potential LDPE-degrading bacteria among 14 isolates. The biodegradation of LDPE films was evaluated through weight loss analysis, which revealed no significant variation among the isolates: Acinetobacter bereziniae (0.426%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (0.280%), and Bacillus cereus (0.390%) after 90 days of incubation. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis exhibited –CH₂ asymmetric and symmetric stretching bands, accompanied by the emergence of new peaks, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed morphological changes in LDPE induced by bacterial biofilm formation. Degradation products identified using GC-MS included n-hexadecanoic acid, 2H-2,4a-methanonaphthalen-8(5H)-one, diethyl phthalate, nonanal, 6-octadecenoic acid (Z), palmitic acid, 9-hexadecenyl ester (Z), oleic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, decanedioic acid, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester. This study highlights the isolation of LDPE-degrading bacterial strains from long-term plastic-contaminated landfill soils, suggesting their adaptive evolution and enhanced capability to utilize polyethylene as their sole carbon source.
Keywords:
Biodegradation, Long-Term Plastic Landfills, Low Density Polyethylene, Plastic Pollution, Recalcitrant, Waste Disposal
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Albertsson, A. C., Erlandsson, B., Hakkarainen, M., & Karlsson, S. (1998). Molecular weight changes and polymeric matrix changes correlated with the formation of degradation products in biodegraded polyethylene. Journal of Environmental Polymer Degradation, 6, 187-195. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021873631162
Andersson, T., Wesslén, B., & Sandström, J. (2002). Degradation of low density polyethylene during extrusion. I. Volatile compounds in smoke from extruded films. Journal of applied polymer science, 86(7), 1580-1586.https://doi.org/10.1002/app.11030
Aryan, Y., Yadav, P., & Samadder, S. R. (2019). Life Cycle Assessment of the existing and proposed plastic waste management options in India: A case study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 211, 1268-1283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.11.236
Awasthi, S., Srivastava, N., Singh, T., Tiwary, D., & Mishra, P. K. (2017). Biodegradation of thermally treated low density polyethylene by fungus Rhizopus oryzae NS 5. 3 Biotech, 7(1), 73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-017-0699-4
Bhatia, M., Girdhar, A., Tiwari, A., & Nayarisseri, A. (2014). Implications of a novel Pseudomonas species on low density polyethylene biodegradation: An in vitro to in silico approach. SpringerPlus, 3(1), 497.https://doi.org/10.1186/2193-1801-3-497
Cabeza-Vásquez, H., Reaño-Segundo, Y., Sánchez-Purihuamán, M., Barturen-Quispe, A., Caro-Castro, J., Vásquez-Llanos, S., ... & Carreño-Farfán, C. (2025). Low‐Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Degradation by Consortia of Chryseobacterium Sp. and Methylorubrum Spp. Isolated from a Solid Waste Landfill. Applied and Environmental Soil Science, 2025(1), 9895980. https://doi.org/10.1155/aess/9895980
Chatterjee, S., Roy, B., Roy, D., & Banerjee, R. (2010). Enzyme-mediated biodegradation of heat treated commercial polyethylene by Staphylococcal species. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 95(2), 195-200.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2009.11.025
Coleman, N. V., Mattes, T. E., Gossett, J. M., & Spain, J. C. (2002). Phylogenetic and kinetic diversity of aerobic vinyl chloride-assimilating bacteria from contaminated sites. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 68(12), 6162-6171.https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.68.12.6162-6171.2002
Evode, N., Qamar, S. A., Bilal, M., Barceló, D., & Iqbal, H. M. (2021). Plastic waste and its management strategies for environmental sustainability. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 4, 100142.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2021.100142
Felsenstein, J. (1985). Confidence limits on phylogenies: an approach using the bootstrap. Evolution, 39(4), 783-791. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1558-5646.1985.tb00420.x
Gajendiran, A., Krishnamoorthy, S., & Abraham, J. (2016). Microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) by Aspergillus clavatus strain JASK1 isolated from landfill soil. 3 Biotech, 6, 52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-016-0394-x
Gambarini, V., Pantos, O., Kingsbury, J. M., Weaver, L., Handley, K. M., & Lear, G. (2021). Phylogenetic distribution of plastic-degrading microorganisms. Msystems, 6(1), 10-1128. https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.01112-20
GESAMP (2015) Sources, fate and effects of microplastics in the marine environment: a global assessment, International Maritime Organization, GESAMP Reports & Studies Series 90, London, U.,https://coilink.org/20.500.12592/63vw7s
Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700782
Gu, J. D. (2003). Microbiological deterioration and degradation of synthetic polymeric materials: recent research advances. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 52(2), 69-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-8305(02)00177-4
Gulmine, J. V., Janissek, P. R., Heise, H. M., & Akcelrud, L. (2002). Polyethylene characterization by FTIR. Polymer Testing, 21(5), 557-563.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0142-9418(01)00124-6
Hadad, D., Geresh, S., & Sivan, A. (2005). Biodegradation of polyethylene by the thermophilic bacterium Brevibacillus borstelensis. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 98(5), 1093-1100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02553.x
Harshvardhan, K., & Jha, B. (2013). Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene by marine bacteria from pelagic waters, Arabian Sea, India. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 77(1-2), 100-106.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.025
Hartmans, S., Kaptein, A., Tramper, J., & De Bont, J. A. M. (1992). Characterization of a Mycobacterium sp. and a Xanthobacter sp. for the removal of vinyl chloride and 1, 2-dichloroethane from waste gases. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 37(6), 796-801. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00174848
Howard, G. T., Ruiz, C., & Hilliard, N. P. (1999). Growth of Pseudomonas chlororaphis on apolyester–polyurethane and the purification andcharacterization of a polyurethanase–esterase enzyme. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 43(1-2), 7-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-8305(98)00057-2
Isha, Ali, S., & Chang, Y. C. (2024). Biodegradation of polyethylene using Bacillus tropicus isolated from sewage wastewater treatment plant. Processes, 12(11), 2516. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112516
Jebashalomi, V., Charles, P. E., & Rajaram, R. (2024). Microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene using Bacillus cereus (OR268710) isolated from plastic-polluted tropical coastal environment. Science of the Total Environment, 924, 171580.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171580
Jeon, H. J., & Kim, M. N. (2016). Comparison of the functional characterization between alkane monooxygenases for low-molecular-weight polyethylene biodegradation. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 114, 202-208.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.06.012
Ji, Y., Mao, G., Wang, Y., & Bartlam, M. (2013). Structural insights into diversity and n-alkane biodegradation mechanisms of alkane hydroxylases. Frontiers in Microbiology, 4, 58. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2013.00058
Kim, H. R., Lee, C., Shin, H., Kim, J., Jeong, M., & Choi, D. (2023). Isolation of a polyethylene-degrading bacterium, Acinetobacter guillouiae, using a novel screening method based on a redox indicator. Heliyon, 9(5), e15731.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15731
Kim, Y. J., Lee, J. S., Park, J. A., Kim, H. O., Lim, K. S., & Ha, S. J. (2024). Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene by Acinetobacter guillouiae PL211 isolated from the waste treatment facility. Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters, 52(2), 189-194. https://doi.org/10.48022/mbl.2404.04005
Kumar, S., Stecher, G., Suleski, M., Sanderford, M., Sharma, S., & Tamura, K. (2024). MEGA12: molecular evolutionary genetic analysis version 12 for adaptive and green computing. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 41(12), msae263. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msae263
Kyaw, B. M., Champakalakshmi, R., Sakharkar, M. K., Lim, C. S., & Sakharkar, K. R. (2012). Biodegradation of low density polythene (LDPE) by Pseudomonas species. Indian Journal of Microbiology, 52(3), 411-419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-012-0250-6
Laist, D. W. (1997). Impacts of Marine Debris: Entanglement of Marine Life in Marine Debris Including a Comprehensive List of Species with Entanglement and Ingestion Records. In: Coe, J.M., Rogers, D.B. (eds) Marine Debris. Springer Series on Environmental Management. Springer, New York, NY, 99–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8486-1_10
Liang, M., Xin, X., Fan, W., Zhang, J., Jiang, H., & Yao, Z. (2021). Comparison of rheological properties and compatibility of asphalt modified with various polyethylene. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 22(1), 11-20.https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2019.1575968
Lyu, L., Fang, K., Huang, X., Tian, X., & Zhang, S. (2024). Polyethylene is degraded by the deep-sea Acinetobacter venetianus bacterium. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 22(4), 1591-1597. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-024-01708-4
Mahari, W. A. W., Chong, C. T., Cheng, C. K., Lee, C. L., Hendrata, K., Yek, P. N. Y., ... & Lam, S. S. (2018). Production of value-added liquid fuel via microwave co-pyrolysis of used frying oil and plastic waste. Energy, 162, 309-317.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.08.002
Manzur, A., Limón‐González, M., & Favela‐Torres, E. (2004). Biodegradation of physicochemically treated LDPE by a consortium of filamentous fungi. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 92(1), 265-271. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.13644
Mattsson, K., Johnson, E. V., Malmendal, A., Linse, S., Hansson, L. A., & Cedervall, T. (2017). Brain damage and behavioural disorders in fish induced by plastic nanoparticles delivered through the food chain. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 11452. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-10813-0
Montazer, Z., Habibi Najafi, M. B., & Levin, D. B. (2019). Microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene and synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 65(3), 224-234.https://doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2018-0335
Muenmee, S., Chiemchaisri, W., & Chiemchaisri, C. (2015). Microbial consortium involving biological methane oxidation in relation to the biodegradation of waste plastics in a solid waste disposal open dump site. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 102, 172-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2015.03.015
Muenmee, S., Chiemchaisri, W., & Chiemchaisri, C. (2016). Enhancement of biodegradation of plastic wastes via methane oxidation in semi-aerobic landfill. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 113, 244-255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.03.016
Müller, R. J., Kleeberg, I., & Deckwer, W. D. (2001). Biodegradation of polyesters containing aromatic constituents. Journal of Biotechnology, 86(2), 87-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1656(00)00407-7
Munera, J. C., & Ossa, E. A. (2014). Polymer modified bitumen: Optimization and selection. Materials & Design (1980-2015), 62, 91-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.05.009
Negi, H., Kapri, A., Zaidi, M. G. H., Satlewal, A., & Goel, R. (2009). Comparative in-vitro biodegradation studies of epoxy and its silicone blend by selected microbial consortia. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 63(5), 553-558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2009.03.001
Nowak, B., Pająk, J., Drozd-Bratkowicz, M., & Rymarz, G. (2011). Microorganisms participating in the biodegradation of modified polyethylene films in different soils under laboratory conditions. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 65(6), 757-767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2011.04.007
Ogunjemite, O. E., Olajuyigbe, F. M., Sanni, D. M., & Ajele, J. O. (2025). Biodegradation of Polyethylene Sheet by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus with Thermostable Enzyme Activity. Journal of Materials and Environmental Science., 16 (11), 2091 - 2104.https://www.jmaterenvironsci.com/Document/vol16/vol16_N11/JMES-2025-1611119-Ogunjemite.pdf
PlasticsEurope, E. P. R. O. (2019). Plastics—the facts 2019. An analysis of European plastics production, demand and waste data. PlasticEurope. https://plasticseurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2019-Plastics-the-facts.pdf
Prakash, A., & Palkar, R. R. (2023). Co-processing of plastic waste in a cement kiln: a better option. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30, 24804-24814. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-17725-7
Punčochář, M., Ruj, B., & Chatterj, P. K. (2012). Development of process for disposal of plastic waste using plasma pyrolysis technology and option for energy recovery. Procedia Engineering, 42, 420-430.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2012.07.433
Raut, S., Raut, S., Sharma, M., Srivastav, C., Adhikari, B., & Sen, S. K. (2015). Enhancing degradation of low density polyethylene films by Curvularia lunata SG1 using particle swarm optimization strategy. Indian Journal of Microbiology, 55(3), 258-268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-015-0522-z
Ribitsch, D., Acero, E. H., Greimel, K., Eiteljoerg, I., Trotscha, E., Freddi, G., ... & Guebitz, G. M. (2012). Characterization of a new cutinase from Thermobifida alba for PET-surface hydrolysis. Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, 30(1), 2-9.https://doi.org/10.3109/10242422.2012.644435
Rivard, C., Moens, L., Roberts, K., Brigham, J., & Kelley, S. (1995). Starch esters as biodegradable plastics: Effects of ester group chain length and degree of substitution on anaerobic biodegradation. Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 17(9), 848-852. https://doi.org/10.1016/0141-0229(94)00120-G
Roman, L., Hardesty, B. D., Leonard, G. H., Pragnell-Raasch, H., Mallos, N., Campbell, I., & Wilcox, C. (2020). A global assessment of the relationship between anthropogenic debris on land and the seafloor. Environmental Pollution, 264, 114663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114663
Rong, Z., Xu, X. W., & Wu, Y. H. (2024). Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene film by two bacteria isolated from plastic debris in coastal beach. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 278, 116445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116445
Rosario, L. L. D., & Baburaj, S. (2017). Isolation and screening of plastic degrading bacteria from polythene dumped garbage soil. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology,5(12). 1028-1032. https://www.ijraset.com/fileserve.php?FID=11971
Saitou, N., & Nei, M. (1987). The neighbor-joining method: A new method for reconstructing phylogenetic trees. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 4(4), 406–425.https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.molbev.a040454
Shah, Q., Maroof, L., Ullah, N., Rahman, K., Raza, A., Hayat, R., ... & Saeed, H. (2026). Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastic by Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Waste Disposal Sites in Urban Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Indus Journal of Bioscience Research, 4(1), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v4i1.2788
Silva, A. L. P., Prata, J. C., Walker, T. R., Duarte, A. C., Ouyang, W., Barcelò, D., & Rocha-Santos, T. (2021). Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations. Chemical Engineering Journal, 405, 126683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.126683
Tribedi, P., & Sil, A. K. (2013). Low-density polyethylene degradation by Pseudomonas sp. AKS2 biofilm. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 20, 4146-4153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-1378-y
Veethahavya, K. S., Rajath, B. S., Noobia, S., & Kumar, B. M. (2016). Biodegradation of low density polyethylene in aqueous media. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 35, 709-713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2016.07.072
Wang, Z., Xin, X., Shi, X., & Zhang, Y. (2020). A polystyrene-degrading Acinetobacter bacterium isolated from the larvae of Tribolium castaneum. Science of the Total Environment, 726, 138564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138564
Witt, U., Einig, T., Yamamoto, M., Kleeberg, I., Deckwer, W. D., & Müller, R. J. (2001). Biodegradation of aliphatic–aromatic copolyesters: evaluation of the final biodegradability and ecotoxicological impact of degradation intermediates. Chemosphere, 44(2), 289-299. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0045-6535(00)00162-4
Wojnowska-Baryła, I., Bernat, K., & Zaborowska, M. (2022). Plastic waste degradation in landfill conditions: the problem with microplastics, and their direct and indirect environmental effects. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13223. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013223
Wróbel, M., Szymańska, S., Kowalkowski, T., & Hrynkiewicz, K. (2023). Selection of microorganisms capable of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) degradation. Microbiological Research, 267, 127251.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127251
Wu, C., Ma, Y., Wang, D., Shan, Y., Song, X., Hu, H., ... & Ma, Y. (2022). Integrated microbiology and metabolomics analysis reveal plastic mulch film residue affects soil microorganisms and their metabolic functions. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 423, Part B 127258.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127258
Xia, M., Zhao, Y., Ma, Y., Wu, B., Hu, G., Wang, Y., & He, M. (2025). Characterization and Genome Insights of Two Novel Plastic-Degrading Acinetobacter Species. bioRxiv, 2025-07. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.16.665163
Yoshida, S., Hiraga, K., Takehana, T., Taniguchi, I., Yamaji, H., Maeda, Y., ... & Oda, K. (2016). Response to comment on “A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly (ethylene terephthalate)”. Science, 353(6301), 759-759.https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaf8625
Zbyszewski, M., & Corcoran, P. L. (2011). Distribution and degradation of freshwater plastic particles along the beaches of Lake Huron, Canada. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 220(1), 365-372. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-011-0760-6
Zhang, H., Lu, Y., Wu, H., Liu, Q., & Sun, W. (2023). Effect of an Acinetobacter pittobacter on low-density polyethylene. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(4), 10495-10504. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-22658-w
Zhou, J., Gui, H., Banfield, C. C., Wen, Y., Zang, H., Dippold, M. A., ... & Jones, D. L. (2021). The microplastisphere: Biodegradable microplastics addition alters soil microbial community structure and function. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 156, 108211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2021.108211
Andersson, T., Wesslén, B., & Sandström, J. (2002). Degradation of low density polyethylene during extrusion. I. Volatile compounds in smoke from extruded films. Journal of applied polymer science, 86(7), 1580-1586.https://doi.org/10.1002/app.11030
Aryan, Y., Yadav, P., & Samadder, S. R. (2019). Life Cycle Assessment of the existing and proposed plastic waste management options in India: A case study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 211, 1268-1283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.11.236
Awasthi, S., Srivastava, N., Singh, T., Tiwary, D., & Mishra, P. K. (2017). Biodegradation of thermally treated low density polyethylene by fungus Rhizopus oryzae NS 5. 3 Biotech, 7(1), 73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-017-0699-4
Bhatia, M., Girdhar, A., Tiwari, A., & Nayarisseri, A. (2014). Implications of a novel Pseudomonas species on low density polyethylene biodegradation: An in vitro to in silico approach. SpringerPlus, 3(1), 497.https://doi.org/10.1186/2193-1801-3-497
Cabeza-Vásquez, H., Reaño-Segundo, Y., Sánchez-Purihuamán, M., Barturen-Quispe, A., Caro-Castro, J., Vásquez-Llanos, S., ... & Carreño-Farfán, C. (2025). Low‐Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Degradation by Consortia of Chryseobacterium Sp. and Methylorubrum Spp. Isolated from a Solid Waste Landfill. Applied and Environmental Soil Science, 2025(1), 9895980. https://doi.org/10.1155/aess/9895980
Chatterjee, S., Roy, B., Roy, D., & Banerjee, R. (2010). Enzyme-mediated biodegradation of heat treated commercial polyethylene by Staphylococcal species. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 95(2), 195-200.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2009.11.025
Coleman, N. V., Mattes, T. E., Gossett, J. M., & Spain, J. C. (2002). Phylogenetic and kinetic diversity of aerobic vinyl chloride-assimilating bacteria from contaminated sites. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 68(12), 6162-6171.https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.68.12.6162-6171.2002
Evode, N., Qamar, S. A., Bilal, M., Barceló, D., & Iqbal, H. M. (2021). Plastic waste and its management strategies for environmental sustainability. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 4, 100142.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2021.100142
Felsenstein, J. (1985). Confidence limits on phylogenies: an approach using the bootstrap. Evolution, 39(4), 783-791. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1558-5646.1985.tb00420.x
Gajendiran, A., Krishnamoorthy, S., & Abraham, J. (2016). Microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) by Aspergillus clavatus strain JASK1 isolated from landfill soil. 3 Biotech, 6, 52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-016-0394-x
Gambarini, V., Pantos, O., Kingsbury, J. M., Weaver, L., Handley, K. M., & Lear, G. (2021). Phylogenetic distribution of plastic-degrading microorganisms. Msystems, 6(1), 10-1128. https://doi.org/10.1128/msystems.01112-20
GESAMP (2015) Sources, fate and effects of microplastics in the marine environment: a global assessment, International Maritime Organization, GESAMP Reports & Studies Series 90, London, U.,https://coilink.org/20.500.12592/63vw7s
Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700782
Gu, J. D. (2003). Microbiological deterioration and degradation of synthetic polymeric materials: recent research advances. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 52(2), 69-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-8305(02)00177-4
Gulmine, J. V., Janissek, P. R., Heise, H. M., & Akcelrud, L. (2002). Polyethylene characterization by FTIR. Polymer Testing, 21(5), 557-563.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0142-9418(01)00124-6
Hadad, D., Geresh, S., & Sivan, A. (2005). Biodegradation of polyethylene by the thermophilic bacterium Brevibacillus borstelensis. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 98(5), 1093-1100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2005.02553.x
Harshvardhan, K., & Jha, B. (2013). Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene by marine bacteria from pelagic waters, Arabian Sea, India. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 77(1-2), 100-106.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.025
Hartmans, S., Kaptein, A., Tramper, J., & De Bont, J. A. M. (1992). Characterization of a Mycobacterium sp. and a Xanthobacter sp. for the removal of vinyl chloride and 1, 2-dichloroethane from waste gases. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 37(6), 796-801. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00174848
Howard, G. T., Ruiz, C., & Hilliard, N. P. (1999). Growth of Pseudomonas chlororaphis on apolyester–polyurethane and the purification andcharacterization of a polyurethanase–esterase enzyme. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 43(1-2), 7-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-8305(98)00057-2
Isha, Ali, S., & Chang, Y. C. (2024). Biodegradation of polyethylene using Bacillus tropicus isolated from sewage wastewater treatment plant. Processes, 12(11), 2516. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112516
Jebashalomi, V., Charles, P. E., & Rajaram, R. (2024). Microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene using Bacillus cereus (OR268710) isolated from plastic-polluted tropical coastal environment. Science of the Total Environment, 924, 171580.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171580
Jeon, H. J., & Kim, M. N. (2016). Comparison of the functional characterization between alkane monooxygenases for low-molecular-weight polyethylene biodegradation. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 114, 202-208.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.06.012
Ji, Y., Mao, G., Wang, Y., & Bartlam, M. (2013). Structural insights into diversity and n-alkane biodegradation mechanisms of alkane hydroxylases. Frontiers in Microbiology, 4, 58. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2013.00058
Kim, H. R., Lee, C., Shin, H., Kim, J., Jeong, M., & Choi, D. (2023). Isolation of a polyethylene-degrading bacterium, Acinetobacter guillouiae, using a novel screening method based on a redox indicator. Heliyon, 9(5), e15731.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15731
Kim, Y. J., Lee, J. S., Park, J. A., Kim, H. O., Lim, K. S., & Ha, S. J. (2024). Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene by Acinetobacter guillouiae PL211 isolated from the waste treatment facility. Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters, 52(2), 189-194. https://doi.org/10.48022/mbl.2404.04005
Kumar, S., Stecher, G., Suleski, M., Sanderford, M., Sharma, S., & Tamura, K. (2024). MEGA12: molecular evolutionary genetic analysis version 12 for adaptive and green computing. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 41(12), msae263. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msae263
Kyaw, B. M., Champakalakshmi, R., Sakharkar, M. K., Lim, C. S., & Sakharkar, K. R. (2012). Biodegradation of low density polythene (LDPE) by Pseudomonas species. Indian Journal of Microbiology, 52(3), 411-419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-012-0250-6
Laist, D. W. (1997). Impacts of Marine Debris: Entanglement of Marine Life in Marine Debris Including a Comprehensive List of Species with Entanglement and Ingestion Records. In: Coe, J.M., Rogers, D.B. (eds) Marine Debris. Springer Series on Environmental Management. Springer, New York, NY, 99–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8486-1_10
Liang, M., Xin, X., Fan, W., Zhang, J., Jiang, H., & Yao, Z. (2021). Comparison of rheological properties and compatibility of asphalt modified with various polyethylene. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 22(1), 11-20.https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2019.1575968
Lyu, L., Fang, K., Huang, X., Tian, X., & Zhang, S. (2024). Polyethylene is degraded by the deep-sea Acinetobacter venetianus bacterium. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 22(4), 1591-1597. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-024-01708-4
Mahari, W. A. W., Chong, C. T., Cheng, C. K., Lee, C. L., Hendrata, K., Yek, P. N. Y., ... & Lam, S. S. (2018). Production of value-added liquid fuel via microwave co-pyrolysis of used frying oil and plastic waste. Energy, 162, 309-317.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.08.002
Manzur, A., Limón‐González, M., & Favela‐Torres, E. (2004). Biodegradation of physicochemically treated LDPE by a consortium of filamentous fungi. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 92(1), 265-271. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.13644
Mattsson, K., Johnson, E. V., Malmendal, A., Linse, S., Hansson, L. A., & Cedervall, T. (2017). Brain damage and behavioural disorders in fish induced by plastic nanoparticles delivered through the food chain. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 11452. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-10813-0
Montazer, Z., Habibi Najafi, M. B., & Levin, D. B. (2019). Microbial degradation of low-density polyethylene and synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 65(3), 224-234.https://doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2018-0335
Muenmee, S., Chiemchaisri, W., & Chiemchaisri, C. (2015). Microbial consortium involving biological methane oxidation in relation to the biodegradation of waste plastics in a solid waste disposal open dump site. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 102, 172-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2015.03.015
Muenmee, S., Chiemchaisri, W., & Chiemchaisri, C. (2016). Enhancement of biodegradation of plastic wastes via methane oxidation in semi-aerobic landfill. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 113, 244-255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.03.016
Müller, R. J., Kleeberg, I., & Deckwer, W. D. (2001). Biodegradation of polyesters containing aromatic constituents. Journal of Biotechnology, 86(2), 87-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1656(00)00407-7
Munera, J. C., & Ossa, E. A. (2014). Polymer modified bitumen: Optimization and selection. Materials & Design (1980-2015), 62, 91-97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.05.009
Negi, H., Kapri, A., Zaidi, M. G. H., Satlewal, A., & Goel, R. (2009). Comparative in-vitro biodegradation studies of epoxy and its silicone blend by selected microbial consortia. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 63(5), 553-558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2009.03.001
Nowak, B., Pająk, J., Drozd-Bratkowicz, M., & Rymarz, G. (2011). Microorganisms participating in the biodegradation of modified polyethylene films in different soils under laboratory conditions. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 65(6), 757-767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2011.04.007
Ogunjemite, O. E., Olajuyigbe, F. M., Sanni, D. M., & Ajele, J. O. (2025). Biodegradation of Polyethylene Sheet by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus with Thermostable Enzyme Activity. Journal of Materials and Environmental Science., 16 (11), 2091 - 2104.https://www.jmaterenvironsci.com/Document/vol16/vol16_N11/JMES-2025-1611119-Ogunjemite.pdf
PlasticsEurope, E. P. R. O. (2019). Plastics—the facts 2019. An analysis of European plastics production, demand and waste data. PlasticEurope. https://plasticseurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2019-Plastics-the-facts.pdf
Prakash, A., & Palkar, R. R. (2023). Co-processing of plastic waste in a cement kiln: a better option. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30, 24804-24814. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-17725-7
Punčochář, M., Ruj, B., & Chatterj, P. K. (2012). Development of process for disposal of plastic waste using plasma pyrolysis technology and option for energy recovery. Procedia Engineering, 42, 420-430.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2012.07.433
Raut, S., Raut, S., Sharma, M., Srivastav, C., Adhikari, B., & Sen, S. K. (2015). Enhancing degradation of low density polyethylene films by Curvularia lunata SG1 using particle swarm optimization strategy. Indian Journal of Microbiology, 55(3), 258-268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-015-0522-z
Ribitsch, D., Acero, E. H., Greimel, K., Eiteljoerg, I., Trotscha, E., Freddi, G., ... & Guebitz, G. M. (2012). Characterization of a new cutinase from Thermobifida alba for PET-surface hydrolysis. Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, 30(1), 2-9.https://doi.org/10.3109/10242422.2012.644435
Rivard, C., Moens, L., Roberts, K., Brigham, J., & Kelley, S. (1995). Starch esters as biodegradable plastics: Effects of ester group chain length and degree of substitution on anaerobic biodegradation. Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 17(9), 848-852. https://doi.org/10.1016/0141-0229(94)00120-G
Roman, L., Hardesty, B. D., Leonard, G. H., Pragnell-Raasch, H., Mallos, N., Campbell, I., & Wilcox, C. (2020). A global assessment of the relationship between anthropogenic debris on land and the seafloor. Environmental Pollution, 264, 114663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114663
Rong, Z., Xu, X. W., & Wu, Y. H. (2024). Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene film by two bacteria isolated from plastic debris in coastal beach. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 278, 116445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116445
Rosario, L. L. D., & Baburaj, S. (2017). Isolation and screening of plastic degrading bacteria from polythene dumped garbage soil. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology,5(12). 1028-1032. https://www.ijraset.com/fileserve.php?FID=11971
Saitou, N., & Nei, M. (1987). The neighbor-joining method: A new method for reconstructing phylogenetic trees. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 4(4), 406–425.https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.molbev.a040454
Shah, Q., Maroof, L., Ullah, N., Rahman, K., Raza, A., Hayat, R., ... & Saeed, H. (2026). Biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastic by Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Waste Disposal Sites in Urban Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Indus Journal of Bioscience Research, 4(1), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v4i1.2788
Silva, A. L. P., Prata, J. C., Walker, T. R., Duarte, A. C., Ouyang, W., Barcelò, D., & Rocha-Santos, T. (2021). Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations. Chemical Engineering Journal, 405, 126683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.126683
Tribedi, P., & Sil, A. K. (2013). Low-density polyethylene degradation by Pseudomonas sp. AKS2 biofilm. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 20, 4146-4153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-1378-y
Veethahavya, K. S., Rajath, B. S., Noobia, S., & Kumar, B. M. (2016). Biodegradation of low density polyethylene in aqueous media. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 35, 709-713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2016.07.072
Wang, Z., Xin, X., Shi, X., & Zhang, Y. (2020). A polystyrene-degrading Acinetobacter bacterium isolated from the larvae of Tribolium castaneum. Science of the Total Environment, 726, 138564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138564
Witt, U., Einig, T., Yamamoto, M., Kleeberg, I., Deckwer, W. D., & Müller, R. J. (2001). Biodegradation of aliphatic–aromatic copolyesters: evaluation of the final biodegradability and ecotoxicological impact of degradation intermediates. Chemosphere, 44(2), 289-299. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0045-6535(00)00162-4
Wojnowska-Baryła, I., Bernat, K., & Zaborowska, M. (2022). Plastic waste degradation in landfill conditions: the problem with microplastics, and their direct and indirect environmental effects. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13223. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013223
Wróbel, M., Szymańska, S., Kowalkowski, T., & Hrynkiewicz, K. (2023). Selection of microorganisms capable of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) degradation. Microbiological Research, 267, 127251.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2022.127251
Wu, C., Ma, Y., Wang, D., Shan, Y., Song, X., Hu, H., ... & Ma, Y. (2022). Integrated microbiology and metabolomics analysis reveal plastic mulch film residue affects soil microorganisms and their metabolic functions. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 423, Part B 127258.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127258
Xia, M., Zhao, Y., Ma, Y., Wu, B., Hu, G., Wang, Y., & He, M. (2025). Characterization and Genome Insights of Two Novel Plastic-Degrading Acinetobacter Species. bioRxiv, 2025-07. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.16.665163
Yoshida, S., Hiraga, K., Takehana, T., Taniguchi, I., Yamaji, H., Maeda, Y., ... & Oda, K. (2016). Response to comment on “A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly (ethylene terephthalate)”. Science, 353(6301), 759-759.https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaf8625
Zbyszewski, M., & Corcoran, P. L. (2011). Distribution and degradation of freshwater plastic particles along the beaches of Lake Huron, Canada. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 220(1), 365-372. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-011-0760-6
Zhang, H., Lu, Y., Wu, H., Liu, Q., & Sun, W. (2023). Effect of an Acinetobacter pittobacter on low-density polyethylene. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(4), 10495-10504. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-22658-w
Zhou, J., Gui, H., Banfield, C. C., Wen, Y., Zang, H., Dippold, M. A., ... & Jones, D. L. (2021). The microplastisphere: Biodegradable microplastics addition alters soil microbial community structure and function. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 156, 108211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2021.108211
Statistics
12 Views | 1 Downloads
How to Cite
Dass, J. J. and Pandian, K. (2026) “Biodegradation Potential of LDPE-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Long-Term Plastic Landfills in Madurai”, International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences Research, 9(3), pp. 43-57. doi: https://doi.org/10.31632/ijalsr.2026.v09i03.004.
Section
Research Articles
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
.