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Subject: Microbiology × Author: Satlewal, Alok × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2007 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Characterization and conservation of bacterial gene pool for biodegradation of low and high density polyethylene
    (G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2008-01) Satlewal, Alok; Goel, Reeta
    Screening of 78 bacterial isolates led to the selection of 13 different bacteria capable of utilizing polyethylene and its derivatives as the sole carbon source. Employing these, 5 consortia were developed indigenously and in-vitro/in-situ biodegradation experiments were carried out. Degraded samples were recovered and comparatively analyzed by FTIR, simultaneous DTA-DTG-TG and scanning electron microscopic analysis. Furthermore, 16s-rDNA sequencing was done for the identification and molecular characterization of the selected strains. Results have indicated that the mesophilic consortium, comprising of Microbacterium sp., Pseudomonas putida and Bacterium Te 68R, was showing highest biodegradation amongst the others. Starch impregnation had also increased the biodegradation up to 13% with respect to the untreated LDPE film for over 21 days. Determination of dry weight loss further supported these results. Thus, it could be concluded that relatively inert polyethylene could be degraded if proper consortium is employed.