Effect of an Acinetobacter pittobacter on low-density polyethylene

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a major cause of persistent and long-term environmental pollution. In this study, we report the successful isolation of an efficient LDPE degrading bacterial strain from the wastewater sediment of an agricultural land film recycling plant and identified and designated it as Acinetobacter sp. LW-1, respectively. The surface analyses including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of LW-1-treated samples revealed the existence of appreciable pits and cavities on the facet of PE film, while the formation of carbonyl group was also verified by XPS and FTIR. Moreover, water contact angle assay substantiated the chemical transformation of the LDPE film from hydrophobic to hydrophilic transition after treatment with LW-1. In addition, co-incubation of LDPE film and Acinetobacter sp. LW-1 at 35 degrees C for 90 days significantly decreased the weight of LDPE film with an optimal weight loss of 15 +/- 0.85%. This work enriches the LDPE degradation bacterial library and shows the tremendous potential of Acinetobacter sp. LW-1 to be used in the degradation of LDPE waste.