Kemampuan Bakteri dari Tempat Pembuangan Akhir (TPA) dalam Mendegradasi Plastik (Low Density Polyethylene)

Abstract

The low density polyethylene (LDPE) is one of environtmental pollutant and its biodegradation was the focus of the present study. Biodegradation test of LDPE was done using bacteria isolated from Namo Bintang waste dump site, Medan Tuntungan. The screening of isolates was based on their abilities to growth on Mineral Salt Medium Broth (MSMB) containing 1% LDPE powder. Two potential isolates, SP2 and SP4, were obtained. LDPE degradation was confirmed by measuring weight loss, SEM and FTIR analysis after biodegradation test. The ability of isolates in degrading LDPE showed that isolate SP2 and SP4 reduced weight of LDPE with total weight loss of 10,16 % and 12,06 % while control reduced 0% respectively after 4 weeks of cultivation. SEM analysis showed the surface of LDPE became rough, the formation of waves, wrinkles and bacterial colonies attached to the surface of LDPE. Decrease of intensity of wave number by FTIR analysis confirmed that LDPE was partially degraded.