Biodegradation of Plastics: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polystyrene (PS) and Polyethylene (PE)

Abstract

With the increase in human population, there has been increase in plastic production and its usage. There is wide range of applications of Polyethylene (PE), Polystyrene (PS) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These plastic types contain many hazardous chemicals like Phthalates, Bisphenol A as additives which can leach into environment and cause various health hazards to humans. Microorganisms use plastics as carbon source through process of degradation. The aim of the present project is the isolation of bacterial strains having the ability to degrade plastics, PE, PS and PET. The bacterial and fungal strains were isolated from soil samples of plastic dump. Bacterial isolates were inoculated in liquid Mineral salt media with sterilized plastic pieces and incubated in shaking incubator. The degradation ability was to test with growth of microbes and then testing degradation by different analytical techniques like FTIR, NMR, ATM etc. As there is accumulation of millions of tons of plastic waste every year, so this results in significant decay of environment. Recent clean-up strategies tend to reduce the negative effects caused by plastic pollution but increase in production of plastics makes it difficult. The current project also focused on the social aspect of the plastic pollution. Awareness campaign was launched with posters and banners of harmful effects of plastic pollution. Further a questionnaire was developed of 25 questions to know about plastic usage, its disposal and hazards and 300 responses were obtained from people of different age group. The results showed that more than 64 % people use different types of plastics in their daily life and majority prefer plastic bags due to durability and cheapness. About 53.6 % people do not have knowledge about biodegradable plastics. When use of alternative to plastic was questioned, 97.7% people think cloth bags should be used and 83% people of in-favor of recycling of plastics bags. About 97 % people were in favor of ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and enforcing law. Survey results indicates that 48 % people think burying plastic waste is best disposable method while 33 % were in favor of burning. More than 60 % people through plastic bags and disposable cups etc in the dustbin. People do have knowledge about the hazards of plastics (97%) while only 67 % have specific knowledge of carcinogens released from plastics and majority do not have knowledge about the micro plastics. So it is concluded that there should be more research needed for plastic degradation, awareness about hazards of plastics and effective strategies should be applied to reduce plastic pollution. There is need of extensive campaign on social media about the hazards of plastics. Social media, universities, and schools should play their part in awareness of plastic hazards among people.