Biodegradation and Detoxification of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Stenotrophomonas sp. and Alcaligenaceae bacterium.

Every year, human activities introduce large amounts of synthetic plastics into the environment. Decomposition of the plastic derivatives is very difficult and time consuming, so it is essential to eliminate these pollutants using different methods. Bioremediation, is suitable option, because of the low cost and environmentally safe. In this research, degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was investigated by two strains, isolated from Hamadan province (Iran) landfill soil. After identification by 16sr DNA primers, their abilities of polyethylene biodegradation were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), SEM and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Using media contain polyethylene) after and before addition of bacteria), toxicity test was conducted by measuring the germination index, root and hypocotyl length of Lactuca sativa seed. After three months, 10.15% ± 1.04 weight loss of LDPE achieved through strain Stenotrophomonas sp. degradation. Both strains had high biofilm formation capacity, confirmed by Electron microscope images and FTIR analysis. GC-MS confirmed the presence of the end-product of LDPE degradation (Pentacosane, Hexacosane, and Octadecane). Both, Stenotrophomonas sp. and Alcaligenaceae bacterium had significant detoxification ability. In media contain LDPE (without bacteria), decrease in the germination of lettuce seeds was observed.