Development of efficient polyethylene degrading marine consortia

This study investigated the potential of bacterial-mediated polyethylene degradation in two phases of a microcosm experiment. During the first phase, indigenous marine community alone and inoculated with known PE degraders was incubated with naturally weathered PE films for 6 months. At the end of the first phase the developed biofilm was harvested and re-inoculated with PE films. Bacteria from both treatments were able to establish an active population on the PE surfaces as the biofilm community developed in a time dependent way. Moreover, a convergence in the communities from all treatments was observed. The acclimated consortia reduced more efficiently the weight of PE films in comparison to non-acclimated bacteria. The SEM images revealed a dense and compact biofilm layer and signs of bio-erosion on the surface of the films. Rheological results suggest that the polymers after microbial treatment had wider molecular mass distribution and a smaller average molar mass. Taking into account the results, we can suggest that the tailored indigenous marine community inoculated with known PE degraders represents an efficient eco-friendly consortium for dealing with weathered PE plastics.