Screening, Identification, and Degradation Mechanism of Polyester Fiber-Degrading Bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Polyester fibers are extensively used in textiles, packaging, and industrial applications due to their durability and excellent mechanical properties. However, high-crystallinity polyester fibers represent a major challenge in plastic waste management due to their resistance to biodegradation. This study evaluated the biodegradation potential of environmental Bacillus isolates, obtained from mold-contaminated black bean plastic bags, toward polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and industrial-grade polyester fibers under mesophilic conditions. Among thirteen isolates, five (Bacillus altitudinis N5, Bacillus subtilis N6, and others) exhibited measurable degradation within 30 days, with mass losses up to 5-6% and corresponding rate constants of 0.04-0.05 day^-1. A c

SUBMITTER: Chen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12843709 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature