Biodegradation of plastic by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The threat of plastic pollution has become a global concern for the environment, resulting to the exploration of sustainable measures that reduce its adverse effects. Bioremediation is one such method that uses microorganisms to degrade soil and water contaminants, it is cost effective, eco-friendly and renewable. Pseudomonas is a ubiquitous genus of bacteria that can be used in biodegradation of several kinds of plastic. The current studies focus on the utilization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the biodegradation of polythene. Pseudomonas strain was isolated from soil contaminated with plastic waste. Based on morphological, physiological, biochemical, and pigmentation shifts the isolated strain was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This strain was capable of degradation of polythene material in 16 days of incubation with the highest percentage being an 11.5% reduction.