Potential of Compost-Derived <i>Actinomycetes</i> for Low-Density Polyethylene Degradation.

ABSTRACT: The growing concern over the long-term persistence of plastic waste has driven research into biological methods of breaking down polymers. This study investigated a process that combines physicochemical pretreatment and biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) using bacterial strains isolated from commercial compost. Four bacterial strains were genetically identified and classified as Actinomycetes. Exposure of LDPE to these selected strains resulted in a measurable reduction in polymer sample weight, accompanied by alterations in surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the chemical modifications at the films' surfaces were confirmed by the spectra obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The microbial colonisation of plastic surfaces plays a key role in the

SUBMITTER: Szczyrba E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12431224 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature