Research Keyword: biodegradation kinetics

Harnessing and Degradation Mechanism of Persistent Polyethylene Waste by Newly Isolated Bacteria from Waxworm and Termite Gut Symbionts

Researchers discovered that bacteria living in the guts of waxworms and termites can effectively break down plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) commonly found in plastic bags and packaging. Two bacterial strains—Bacillus cereus from waxworms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from termites—were tested for their ability to degrade LDPE. The Bacillus cereus strain proved more effective, breaking down nearly 20% of the plastic over 45 days by forming biofilms and using enzyme-producing capabilities. These findings suggest a promising biological approach to managing plastic pollution that could complement traditional recycling methods.

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Biodegradation of synthetic organic pollutants: principles, progress, problems, and perspectives

This comprehensive review explains how bacteria naturally break down synthetic pollutants in our environment through various mechanisms. Scientists use advanced tools like gene sequencing and computer analysis to identify which bacteria degrade specific pollutants, how quickly they work, and what intermediate products form. Understanding these bacterial degradation pathways helps us develop better strategies to clean up contaminated water and soil in an environmentally friendly way.

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Bioremediation Potential of Indigenous Bacterial Isolates for Treating Petroleum Hydrocarbons-Induced Environmental Pollution

Scientists isolated three types of bacteria from soil near auto repair shops that can break down petroleum oil pollutants. When tested in the laboratory, these bacteria degraded between 55-83% of petroleum hydrocarbons over 12 days by converting them into simpler compounds. These findings suggest these naturally occurring bacteria could offer an affordable and environmentally-friendly way to clean up oil-contaminated soil without the harmful side effects of chemical cleanup methods.

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Chromium-Tanned Leather and Microbial Consortia: Identification of Taxa With Biodegradation Potential and Chromium Tolerance

Leather waste from the tanning industry is difficult to break down and often ends up in landfills or incinerators. Scientists discovered that natural communities of bacteria found on decomposing leather can help break down chromium-tanned leather under simple nutrient conditions. These bacteria form protective biofilms and produce enzymes that gradually degrade the collagen in leather, offering a promising sustainable solution for managing leather waste.

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New Type Biomembrane: Transport and Biodegradation of Reactive Textile Dye

Researchers developed an innovative biodegradable membrane containing mushroom fungus (Morchella esculenta) to clean textile dye-contaminated water. The membrane uses natural fungal enzymes called laccase to break down harmful dyes while also absorbing them, achieving 98.6% dye removal in 60 hours. This eco-friendly approach eliminates the need for toxic chemicals used in traditional water treatment and can be reused multiple times, making it promising for industrial textile wastewater treatment.

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Influence of pH on the biodegradation efficiency of fats, oils, and grease by biosurfactant-producing bacterial consortia

Grease buildup in kitchen pipes and sewers causes blockages and infrastructure damage. This research found that a combination of two bacteria can effectively break down fats and oils much better at acidic pH levels, particularly at pH 4. The bacteria produce natural surfactants that help dissolve the grease and special enzymes that degrade it into smaller molecules. This discovery suggests that making wastewater slightly more acidic could significantly improve grease removal in treatment systems.

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Immobilization of Acinetobacter sp. A-1 and Applicability in Removal of Difenoconazole from Water–Sediment Systems

Scientists discovered a bacterium that can break down difenoconazole, a fungicide widely used in agriculture. They trapped these bacteria in tiny gel beads to make them more stable and effective at cleaning up contaminated water and soil. The immobilized bacteria were more resilient and broke down the pesticide more efficiently than free bacteria, offering a promising natural solution for cleaning up fungicide pollution in the environment.

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Statistical optimization of crude oil bioremediation using Streptomyces aurantiogriseus isolated from Egypt’s Western Desert

Researchers from Egypt isolated a special type of bacteria called Streptomyces aurantiogriseus that can break down crude oil and remove it from contaminated soil. Using scientific optimization techniques, they found the best conditions for this bacteria to work most effectively, achieving 92% oil removal in soil experiments. This eco-friendly approach offers a sustainable solution to clean up oil-polluted environments without harmful chemicals.

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Enhanced biodegradation of fluorinated pharmaceutical by Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans biofilms: kinetics and mechanisms

This research shows that two types of fungi—Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans—can effectively break down commonly prescribed medications found in wastewater through biofilm formation on foam carriers. The fungi degrade these drugs through enzymatic action rather than absorption, removing 85-99% of the pharmaceuticals within days. This discovery offers a promising, cost-effective biological treatment for cleaning wastewater from hospitals and pharmaceutical factories, potentially protecting aquatic environments from drug pollution.

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Effect of AgNPs on PLA-Based Biocomposites with Polysaccharides: Biodegradability, Antibacterial Activity and Features

Scientists created a new type of eco-friendly plastic made from PLA (a biodegradable polymer) mixed with silver nanoparticles and natural starches or chitosan. These new materials can kill bacteria and break down naturally in soil within a few months, making them useful for food packaging and medical applications. The addition of silver particles gave the materials antibacterial properties without reducing their ability to biodegrade in natural soil conditions.

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