Anupama Awadhesh Pandey
Anupama Awadhesh Pandey
TITLE
INVESTIGATING NOVEL PLASTIC-DEGRADING BACTERIA FROM
DUMPED SOIL AREAS FOR SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC WASTE
MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Plastic has become an indispensable part of our lives and cutting down plastic consumption
entirely is difficult to achieve.
The recalcitrant and non-biodegradable nature of plastic leads to the accumulation of tons of
plastic in landfills and water bodies, which further risks marine life and human life, causing serious
health issues.
Plastic pollution is a global environmental crisis, with millions of tons of plastic waste
generated annually.
Traditional methods of plastic disposal are inadequate, leading to an urgent need for innovative
solutions.
INTRODUCTION
Recent studies have identified specific bacteria capable of degrading plastics, presenting a
promising avenue for bioremediation.
This research aims to explore novel plastic-degrading bacteria, characterize their enzymatic
mechanisms, and assess their potential for practical applications in waste management.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The literature on plastic-degrading bacteria in waste management highlights the urgent need for
advancements in plastic waste management due to the significant environmental concerns
posed by plastic litter accumulation (Chigwada & Tekere, 2023).
However, further research is necessary to optimize these biological processes and translate them
into viable commercial applications (Fernández et al., 2022; He et al., 2023).
An excellent but perhaps overlooked tool for the study of microbial activity in the soil, nutrient
cycling, microbial succession, and ecology is the Winogradsky column (Pigage et al., 1985).
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Isolation and Characterization: Isolate novel plastic-degrading bacteria from contaminated
environments thriving in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
2. Isolation of Bacteria
•Serial Dilution
•Spread Plate Technique
5. Identification
• Morphological: i) Gram Staining
ii) Colony Characteristics
• Biochemical Test
METHODOLOGY
6. Enzymatic Characterization
• Enzyme Assays: Identify and characterize enzymes involved in plastic degradation through
biochemical assays.
• Molecular Techniques: Perform gene sequencing and analysis to identify key plastic-
degrading enzymes.
• This research will contribute significantly to the field of environmental microbiology and
bioremediation by providing insights into effective biological solutions for plastic pollution. The
findings could lead to the development of sustainable practices for managing plastic waste and
restoring contaminated environments.
CONCLUSION
• This research proposal outlines a comprehensive approach to investigating plastic-degrading
bacteria, aiming to contribute valuable insights and practical solutions to the plastic pollution
crisis. Through the isolation, characterization, and application of these microorganisms, we hope
to advance the field of environmental biotechnology and promote sustainable waste management
practices.