Polyethylene Degradation by Pseudomonas Putida

The most common polymer in plastics is polyethylene (PE), which is made from ethylene monomers (CH2=CH2). In natural form it is not biodegradable. Low density polyethylene is a vital cause of environmental pollution. Low density polythene (LDPE) is the most widely used packaging material primarily because of its excellent mechanical properties, barrier properties against water, light weight, low cost and high energy effectiveness. Present study investigatesan eco-friendly; ef cient and cost-effective approach forplastic waste management by the screening of novelmicrobial consortia which are capable of degradingplastic polymers. Pseudomonas putida, could grow optimally at 37 °C in pH 9.0 and showed 25–30% of plastic weight reduction over 60 days.Protein, Carbon source estimation and weight loss measurements in the positive control(pseudomonas putida with plastic LDPE) was found to be 11% to 34% with a degradation capacity when compared to Treated (pseudomonas putida -UV induced, with plastic LDPE) for 60 days, C=O, strength or elongation analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), structural analysis in GCMS were found out two compounds