Toxicity Testing of Plastic-Degrading Products

The success of the plastic biodegradation can be determined by the nature of the by-products generated by the action of microbes. If the by-products are nontoxic or least toxic, then the microbes responsible for the degradation of the plastic will get preference to be used at commercial level. In the present chapter, an attempt would be made to discuss the effect of plastic (polythene) degradation products (produced due to action of bacteria and fungi) on both plant (Sorghum) and animal (tiger shark) system. Three key seed germination indices (percent germination, germination index, and percent elongation inhibition rate) were used to infer the toxicity nature of the microbial-based plastic (polythene) degradation by-products, whereas in the case of tiger shark, mortality rate was used to check the toxicity level of plastic (polythene) degradation by-products. Overall we reported least toxic nature of the plastic (polythene) by-products of both the plant and animal systems.