Biodegradation of polyethylene and polypropylene by Lysinibacillus species JJY0216 isolated from soil grove

Petroleum-based plastic is a widely used commodity in modern living due to its extensive industrial and domestic applications. Polyethylene and polypropylene account for more than 50% of total plastic usage, and they resist decomposition in a natural environment. In this study, Lysinibacillus sp., isolated and identified as a novel strain, was investigated to decompose polyethylene and polypropylene. In the microbial cultivation medium without any physicochemical pretreatment, the Lysinibacillus sp. reduced the weight of polypropylene and polyethylene by approximately 4 and 9%, respectively, over 26 days. During the biodegradation of polyethylene and polypropylene, a rough surface increase was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. Moreover, various oxidation products containing CH2 groups produced from the decomposition of polyethylene and polypropylene were observed by GC-MS analysis. Results suggest that microorganisms can be used to degrade polyethylene and polypropylene without a physicochemical process. This can be a starting point for developing methods for remediating soil contaminated with plastics. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

A novel strain of Lysinibacillus was found to be capable of degrading polyethylene and polypropylene without physicochemical pretreatment, offering a potential method for remediating soil contaminated with plastics.