Knowledge review on polyethylene terephthalate-degrading microbes and selection of soil microbes from Muntinlupa, Philippines with potential PET-degrading activity

Date of Publication

8-2-2024

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Mark Angelo O. Balendres

Defense Panel Chair

Frances C. Recuenco

Defense Panel Member

Kris Lord Santos
Dennis A. Dolojan

Abstract/Summary

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a ubiquitous synthetic material that is widely used in the manufacturing process of plastic bottles and packaging materials, leading to its accumulation in the environment and through improper disposal techniques and lack of recycling facilities pose a significant ecological challenge due to its poor biodegradability. This study aimed to review the knowledge on PET-degrading microbes, collect and isolate soil bacteria from Muntinlupa with the capability to degrade PET through the use of two methods (weight change in nutrient broth and zone of degradation/lysis in Bushnell Haas agar) and compare the two methods in PET-degradation assessment. Soil samples were collected from a landfill in Muntinlupa and used to isolate microbes. thirty and ten bacterial isolates had a PET-degrading ability based on the weight change and zone of degradation/lysis methods, respectively. However, only two isolates (14 and 31) gave consistent results in both methods. These isolates are potential PET-degrading microbes that can be used in future research. This study contributed to understanding microbes with PET-degrading capacity through the knowledge review, summarizing and classifying the knowledge on recent advancements made to combat PET pollution as an environmental problem and global threat. While further trials are still needed to validate further and underpin the PET-degrading ability of the candidate bacterial isolates identified in this study, which may be used to mitigate PET plastic pollution and thus, alleviating the adverse effects of plastic pollution.

Keywords: PET; nutrient broth; Bushnell Haas agar; microbial degradation

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Polyethylene terephthalate; Microorganisms; Soil microbiology—Philippines; Biodegradable plastics

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Embargo Period

8-2-2024

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