Polypropylene film and beads biodegradation by Lysinibacillus macroides isolated from coastal area of Muara Angke in Jakarta - Indonesia

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most frequently used polyolefins, with applications in a wide range of industries. PP is the most often used plastic in Indonesia. However, because to its resistance to microbial breakdown, it persists in the environment, causing environmental issues. In this study, Lysinibacillus macroides isolated from the coastal area of Muara Angke in Jakarta was screened for the ability to degrade polypropylene film and beads using Bushnell Hass media. After 50 days of incubation, biodegradation of polypropylene film and beads were examined. Both inoculated PP beads and film were examined by the percentage of weight loss, SEM analysis, and TG/DTA analysis. FTIR analysis and XRD analysis were also used to evaluate PP film degradation. Lysinibacillus macroides showed 1.33% PP film degradation and 2.93% PP beads degradation by weight loss in 50 days, respectively. Compared with the PP film, the degradation efficiency of the PP beads was significantly improved. This study can be used to assess the efficiency of different types of plastics in terms of bacterial decomposition. It also paves the way for the development of a more efficient screening approach for determining the most effective microbe for various types of plastic biodegradation. Despite the many optimizations that are required, the isolated strain demonstrated positive potential for polypropylene biodegradation of both films and beads.