Biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics by Paenibacillus naphthalenovorans PETKKU2: Response surface optimization and genomic evidence for an alternative degradation mechanism.

ABSTRACT: This study establishes Paenibacillus naphthalenovorans PETKKU2, isolated from landfill soil in Thailand, as the first reported member of this species capable of degrading polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MP). Initial screening identified PETKKU2 as the most efficient degrader among ten isolates, achieving 6.07 ± 0.18% weight loss after 35 days at 37°C. Response surface methodology optimization of pH, nitrogen concentration, and PET-MP loading enhanced degradation to 9.48 ± 0.21%, closely matching the predicted maximum of 11.15% and representing 96% improvement over baseline conditions. Integrated analytical characterization (FTIR, SEM, GC-MS) revealed an alternative degradation mechanism distinct from classical PETase-MHETase pathways. FTIR analysis confirmed extensive polymer

SUBMITTER: Choonut A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12871986 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature