Marine bacterial strain studied for the ability to degrade different plastics structure. Plastic degradation by marine bacteria

Active bacterial strain AIIW2 was selected based on the ability to grow with plastic (HDPE, LDPE, PVC and PET) when supplied as carbon source. The viability of the strain over the plastic surface was studied and confirmed with fluorescent probes. Microscopic imaging suggested that bacterial interaction over the plastic surface causing deterioration and roughness with increasing bacterial incubation time. In Fourier transform infrared spectra of treated plastic film evidenced stretching of the (-CH) alkane rock chain and (-CO) carbonyl region, suggested the oxidative activities of the bacteria.