Isolation and Identification of Low Density Polyethylene Degrading Bacteria from Selected Dumpsites n Maiduguri, Borno State

Kamala Garba Geidam1*, Mohammed Adamu Milala1, Haruna Yahaya Ismail1, Ali Benieshiek1, Hauwa Mohammed Mulima1, and Jeremiah Akpodoitei Yabefa2

1North East Zonal Biotechnology Centre for Excellence, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
2Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author’s Email: kamalaggeidam@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.02010050


ABSTRACT

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) along with other synthetic plastic is nonbiodegradable and poses a significant threat to the environment. This study aimed to screen and identify indigenous bacterial isolates capable of degrading LDPE. The study involved determining some physicochemical components (organic matter, moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity and temperature) of soil samples collected from five selected dumpsites within Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State. A total of 12 bacterial isolates were identified using morphologic and biochemical test according to standard protocols. The percentage of weight loss and structural changes in the LDPE was determined using weight loss experiment and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis respectively. From the result of the study, bacterial strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Providencia rettgeri, Flavobacterium sp. and Bacillus spp., were the common isolates that showed LDPE degradation abilities. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Providencia rettgeri exhibited significant (25%) while Bacillus sp. and Flavobacterium sp. exhibited (9%) LDPE degradation capabilities and the FTIR analysis that showed peaks shifting, indicates bond stretching, bond bending, and new bond formation. It was concluded therefore, that the high LDPE degradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Providencia rettgeri may partly reflect their potentials in bioremediation strategies for plastic waste in land fields and dumpsites found in Maiduguri metropolis.

Keywords:

Environmental
pollution,
Biodegradation,
Physicochemical
properties,
LDPE