Biodegradation of Polyethylene (Macro-plastics to Microplastics) within the vicinity of Damaturu, Yobe State

Nusaiba Hudu Muhammad, Abdussamad Mukhtar Mohammed*, Auwal Salisu Isa

Department of Chemistry, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author’s Email: ammohammed@ysu.edu.ng, doi.org/10.55639/607.02010019


ABSTRACT

In order to address the negative effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pollution on the environment, this study explores the possibility of using microbial degradation as an environmentally benign remedy. Microbial degradation employs microbes and enzymes to break down, detoxify, or transform environmental pollutants. It is a safe and cost-effective procedure. Given its persistence and lack of biodegradability, plastic trash poses serious threats to ecosystems and human health as it accumulates worldwide, especially in soils. An analysis was conducted to identify bacteria with possible biodegradation capabilities and to ascertain the physicochemical characteristics of the soil samples obtained from Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Important bacterial species, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed encouraging capacities to break down LDPE in particular lab settings, indicating that microbial degradation is a feasible strategy for cutting down plastic waste. According to the results, environmental elements including pH, moisture content, and soil nutrient availability affect how well biodegradation occurs. Although microbial degradation can potentially be a sustainable method of handling plastic waste, the study emphasizes the necessity of more investigation into how to best optimize these processes. Future research might examine the genetic mechanisms of microorganisms to understand how to genetically manipulate microorganisms to produce more useful antimicrobial compounds. Cutting-edge technologies like bioaugmentation can also be used to improve the existing microbial population in a contaminated area to enhance the biodegradation of contaminants. This study offers important new information for creating biologically based, integrated approaches to controlling plastic pollution.

Keywords:

Microbial degradation,
Polyethylene,
Macro-plastics,
Microplastics,
Plastic waste