Authors: Manish Kumar Sahu, Swati Dubey
Abstract: The persistence of plastic waste in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has become a pressing global environmental concern, exacerbated by the limited degradability of synthetic polymers. In response, biological strategies utilizing microbial enzymes are being explored for sustainable plastic remediation. Composting systems, enriched with diverse thermophilic and mesophilic microbial populations, serve as promising environments for discovering enzymes capable of degrading plastics. This study investigates the enzymatic potential of microbes isolated from municipal compost to break down common plastic polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Through isolation, culturing, and enzymatic assays, microbes exhibiting hydrolytic activity were identified, with particular focus on PETase, cutinase, and laccase enzymes. Analytical techniques including FTIR spectroscopy, SEM imaging, and gravimetric analysis were used to assess the extent of plastic degradation. Results indicated partial breakdown of plastic substrates within several weeks, confirming the activity of compost-derived enzymes. The findings underscore the role of compost microbiota as a reservoir of biocatalysts with potential application in bioremediation and industrial plastic waste management. This research offers insights into developing eco-friendly solutions for plastic pollution through microbial enzyme exploitation, fostering a circular economy and reducing ecological harm.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16869630
