THE POTENTIAL USE OF BACTERIA FOR THE BIODEGRADATION OF PLASTIC WASTES

Abstract

In this paper, the study focuses on the analysis of [1] the potentiality of plastic-eating bacteria as a leading solution to the severe problem of waste management that results in Global Warming by which plastics are one of the most significant contributors, and [2] its types, species, and effectiveness on different kinds of polymers.

                 Petrochemical-based plastics, also known as just conventional plastics, are composed of long-chain molecules called polymers. Polymers are primarily non-biodegradable, meaning they cannot be broken down naturally. Their chemical structure is highly complex and does not resemble any of the natural organic compounds that microbes evolved to break down, providing them far greater resistance to natural breakdown. By then, the mass production of plastics for specific industrial applications branched out, which has a radically dominant usage, including providing protection, safety, and increased usability.

                 Researchers have discovered that certain microorganisms have the properties and characteristics of being biodegradable. This study focuses on identifying and characterizing enzymes and metabolic pathways used by these microorganisms to degrade plastic, which could be used to improve the efficiency of plastic degradation on a larger scale and to develop new biotechnology applications.

                 Evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of using plastic-eating bacteria for biodegradation to establish the optimal environments for bacterial growth and plastic decomposition, as well as the limitations and challenges. This research can be carried out through laboratory experiments and field studies in which the development and activity of these bacteria are monitored and evaluated under dynamic parameters. Furthermore, the investigation is recommended to analyze this approach's economic sustainability and scalability, including the cost of developing and utilizing these microorganisms and the potential for growing international commercialization.