Marine bacteria,
Vibrio alginolyticus
and
Vibrio parahemolyticus
isolated from sediments were evaluated
for their ability as a consortia, to degrade polyvinyl
alcohol-low linear density polyethylene (PVA-LLDPE)-
blended plastic films in shake flask conditions at 120 rpm
at 37 °C over 15 weeks. Results indicated that relatively
20 % decrease in tensile strength of the film could be
achieved with 25 and 30 % blend of PVA in the PVALLDPE
plastic film compared to other ratios. Micrographs
obtained with scanning electron microscope showed visible
cracks and grooves on the surface of the PVA-LLDPE
blend film after 15 weeks of incubation with bacterial
consortium. The decrease in tensile strength of the PVAblended
plastic films after treatment and the results of the
scanning electron microscopic analysis evidence that the
consortium could cause degradation of PVA-LLDPE
plastic blends compared to suitable controls. This is the
first report on polyvinyl alcohol degrading
Vibrio
sp. from
marine sediments and its application in microbial degradation
of polyvinyl alcohol-low linear density polyethylene
plastic blends. The study indicated potential of marine
benthic vibrios that have novel enzymes and unique
characteristics for application in bioremediation and solid
waste management particularly in handling synthetic
polymers such as PVA-blended plastic films.