ISOLATION AND QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF POLYETHYLENE-DEGRADING MICROBIAL ISOLATES FROM PLASTIC-CONTAMINATED SOIL

Abstract

The increasing accumulation of polyethylene in terrestrial environments has become a major ecological concern due to its high chemical stability and resistance to natural degradation processes. Conventional disposal practices such as landfilling and incineration are insufficient to address the growing burden of plastic waste and often lead to secondary environmental impacts. In this context, microbial degradation offers a sustainable and environmentally compatible alternative for polyethylene remediation. In the present investigation, polyethylene-degrading microorganisms were isolated from plastic-contaminated soil samples using selective enrichment techniques. The isolates were screened for their ability to utilize polyethylene as a sole carbon source, and their biodegradation efficiency was quantitatively evaluated through time-dependent weight-loss analysis under controlled laboratory conditions. Inoculated polyethylene samples exhibited a progressive reduction in weight, whereas no measurable change was observed in uninoculated controls, confirming the biological nature of the degradation process. Among the isolated strains, isolate F3 demonstrated the highest degradation efficiency, achieving a maximum polyethylene weight reduction of 3.84% after 60 days of incubation. The findings of this study emphasize the biodegradation potential of indigenous soil microorganisms and highlight their possible application in the development of eco-sustainable strategies for polyethylene waste management.