Biodegradation of LLDPE plastic by mixed bacteria culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Brevibacterium sp

Plastics take more than 400 years to naturally degrade. This study therefore aims to degrade Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) plastic using a mixture of culture bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Brevibacterium sp. Pieces of LLDPE plastic measuring 1 x 1 cm2, weighing 10 grams are put into containers containing Nutrient Broth (NB) growth media. The biodegradation process is carried out for 30 days with the test parameters being temperature (°C) and acidity (pH). The Gravimetric method was used to determine weight, while Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was used to actuate the morphology, changes in structure and surface of polyethylene. The results showed that mixed bacterial culture has the potential to degrade LLDPE plastic with a removal percentage of 2-7%, which is based on gravimetric analysis at 25°C, acidity value (pH) 7 for 30 days. Therefore, this study proves that mixed bacterial cultures degrades LLDPE plastic by using it as a carbon source. (paper)