Isolation, Identification, and Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol and Low-Density Polyethylene-Degrading Bacteria from Payatas Dumpsite, Quezon City, Philippines

Abstract

Background: The use of plastics plays a significant role in today's global economy. However, the problem arises when these plastics are not properly managed and they end up in the environment such as in Payatas Dumpsite. The potential of employing microorganisms in the degradation of these plastic wastes is not well-explored, particularly in the Philippines.

Objectives: This study aims to isolate and identify the bacteria present in Payatas Dumpsite that have the potential to degrade plastic components such as Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) films.

Methodology: Grab soil and leachate samples were obtained from Payatas Dumpsite and cultured
microorganisms were morphologically and biochemically identified and evaluated for their plastic degrading capabilities.

Results: Results of the study showed that the microorganisms, namely Kocuria kristinae, Dermacoccus
nishinomiyaensis, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Acinetobacter haemolyticus were present in the soil samples. These microorganisms' plastic degrading capabilities were proven through their emission levels of carbon dioxide. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) microphotographs displayed the plastic degradation of the microorganisms.

Conclusion: The microorganisms isolated from Payatas Dumpsite have the potential to degrade plastics,
particularly PEG and LDPE. Future studies could be done regarding the extraction of enzymes used by the isolates and the subsequent pathway for the plastic degradation process employed by the four microorganisms.

Key words: plastic polymer-degrading bacteria, biodegradation, Payatas dumpsite, PEG, LDPE