Thesis

Characterization of Microorganisms Isolated from Cipayung Landfill in Depok for Plastic Biodegradation Potency

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Plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane (PU) are utilized
extensively in all sectors of life due to their versatility, durability, and low cost. However, its poor
degradability has led to plastic waste accumulation worldwide, making it a major source of pollution.
Recently, there has been growing interest in microbial plastic degradation as a promising strategy to
tackle plastic pollution. Numerous microorganisms isolated from plastic-heavy environments have
exhibited the ability to degrade PET and PU plastics through their enzymatic activity. Despite
Indonesia’s rich microbial diversity, research on plastic-degrading microorganisms is still very limited.
Hence, this research project aimed to characterize the microorganisms isolated from landfills in
Jakarta, specifically in the Cipayung landfill, and evaluate their ability to degrade plastic waste of PET
and PU. The samples collected included soil, leachate, and plastic waste from 3 different areas. After
growing in selective media, several potential colonies were isolated and subjected to a potency test
to assess their plastic-degrading ability. The potency test involved weight loss measurement and
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. From the result of the plastic degradation
potency test, it can be concluded that the isolates showed the potential to degrade plastic and utilize
them as a carbon source to support growth. Particularly isolates obtained from soil 2 and leachate 3,
which exhibited signs of PET degradation. Further investigations, such as extending the incubation
period and conducting confirmatory tests like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), can be conducted
to verify the biodegradation capability of the promising isolates.

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Availability

Detail Information

Series Title

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Call Number

BT 23-004

Publisher

i3L, Jakarta : i3L, Jakarta., 2023

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

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Classification

NONE

Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

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Subject(s)

plastic
microbial plastic degradation
polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
polyurethane

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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Other version/related

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