Apparent weight loss and surface modification of household waste-derived mixed PE/PP microplastics by <i>Bacillus pumilus</i> and fungal isolates.

ABSTRACT: Microplastics are persistent contaminants of terrestrial and aquatic environments, creating a need for carefully validated remediation approaches. This laboratory study examined apparent weight loss and surface modification of household waste-derived mixed polyethylene/polypropylene (PE/PP) microplastics by Bacillus pumilus, Aspergillus niger, and Trichoderma harzianum. The isolates were incubated separately in carbon-deficient mineral salt medium containing microplastics as the only added carbon source. Apparent gravimetric weight loss, microbial growth, and pH were assessed, and Bacillus pumilus-treated particles were further examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Bacillus

SUBMITTER: Rithika R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13630940 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature