Biodegradation studies of polyhydroxyalkanoates extracted from Bacillus subtilis NCDC 0671
Biodegradation; Biopolymers; Phytotoxicity; Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Synthetic plastics
The major characteristic feature that distinguishes polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from its synthetic counterparts is its biodegradability. PHAs are the only class of biopolymers reported to be 100% degradable under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions without production of any toxic residues. The biodegradability of PHAs is influenced by several factors like moisture, temperature, pH, surface area and molecular weight of the polymer. The rate of biodegradation varies greatly depending on the environment. Biodegradation studies were carried out using plating method and direct inoculation method using selected Bacillus strains. Fungal degradation of PHA sheets was assessed using Penicillium chrysogenum. Biodegradation of PHA sheets in different soil types like river valley, agricultural land and garden soil was investigated. The degree of PHA degradation in aqueous environment was studied by incubating the sheets in distilled water, sea water, fish tank water and pond water. The highest degradation rate was observed with agriculture land soil (35.47 0.13%) and fish tank soil (36.93 0.13%). The non-toxic nature of the soil incubated with PHA sheets was ensured using plant growth test. 2019, World Research Association. All rights reserved.
Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, Vol-23, No. 6, pp. 107-114.
Umesh M., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, Karnataka, India; Thazeem B., Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641046, Tamil Nadu, India