Biodegradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) by certain indigenous bacteria and fungi

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is an environmental problem because it is discarded randomly, and because in dumpsites, it does not readily degrade. This study reports evidence of successful biodegradation by two fungal species (Aspergillus flavus MCP₅ and Aspergillus flavus MMP₁₀) and eight bacterial species (Acinetobacter sp. MGP₁, Bacillus sp. MGP₁, Pseudomonas sp. MMP₁, Bacillus sp. MMP₅, Staphylococcus sp. MMP₁₀, Bacillus sp. MGP₁, Micrococcus sp. MMP₅ and Bacillus sp. MMP₁₀). These were demonstrated to have used LDPE as both nitrogen and carbon source. LDPE-users were then characterised and identified using standard microbiological procedures. Biodegradation study was done using selected bacterial and fungal isolates, singly and in consortia, to degrade heat-sterilised ground LDPE in media devoid of carbon source, and carbon and nitrogen source. Biodegradation was monitored using gravimetric methods and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This study revealed some microorganisms can use LDPE as both nitrogen and carbon source in the absence of additives.