Biofilm Formation and Plastic Degradation By Native Soil and Water Microbes
Location
SU-216
Start Date
1-5-2026 10:50 AM
Department
Biology
Abstract
Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems due to its persistence and accumulation in terrestrial and aquatic environments. The widespread presence of microplastics has been linked to harmful effects on ecosystems and human health worldwide. While conventional cleanup methods are limited in scale and sustainability, recent studies have shown that certain heterotrophic microbes may possess enzymatic pathways capable of degrading plastics. Building on this, we hypothesized that the naturally occurring bacteria and fungi, such as Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, and Dothideomycetes species, may degrade polyethylene through biofilm formation and enzymatic hydrolysis. To test this hypothesis, soil and water samples were collected from urban and suburban Chicagoland sites that contain microbial communities already exposed to plastic pollution. Microbes from these samples were cultured on small polyethylene pieces cut from grocery bags to observe their ability to form biofilms and break down the material. The polyethylene samples were weighed before and after incubation to track mass loss, and biofilm formation was assessed using light microscopy. Additionally, metagenomic analysis was performed to compare urban and suburban microbial species and potentially identify species active in plastic degradation. Preliminary findings suggest a visible biofilm development and microbial growth on the polyethylene surface, indicating active colonization and possible enzymatic activity. By identifying microbes with natural plastic-degrading capabilities and the conditions under which they thrive, this study offers insights into a sustainable bioremediation strategy. These findings may support the development of scalable, low-cost, and eco-friendly solutions to microplastic contamination in diverse ecosystems.
Faculty Sponsor
Emily Rumschlag-Booms
Biofilm Formation and Plastic Degradation By Native Soil and Water Microbes
SU-216
Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems due to its persistence and accumulation in terrestrial and aquatic environments. The widespread presence of microplastics has been linked to harmful effects on ecosystems and human health worldwide. While conventional cleanup methods are limited in scale and sustainability, recent studies have shown that certain heterotrophic microbes may possess enzymatic pathways capable of degrading plastics. Building on this, we hypothesized that the naturally occurring bacteria and fungi, such as Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, and Dothideomycetes species, may degrade polyethylene through biofilm formation and enzymatic hydrolysis. To test this hypothesis, soil and water samples were collected from urban and suburban Chicagoland sites that contain microbial communities already exposed to plastic pollution. Microbes from these samples were cultured on small polyethylene pieces cut from grocery bags to observe their ability to form biofilms and break down the material. The polyethylene samples were weighed before and after incubation to track mass loss, and biofilm formation was assessed using light microscopy. Additionally, metagenomic analysis was performed to compare urban and suburban microbial species and potentially identify species active in plastic degradation. Preliminary findings suggest a visible biofilm development and microbial growth on the polyethylene surface, indicating active colonization and possible enzymatic activity. By identifying microbes with natural plastic-degrading capabilities and the conditions under which they thrive, this study offers insights into a sustainable bioremediation strategy. These findings may support the development of scalable, low-cost, and eco-friendly solutions to microplastic contamination in diverse ecosystems.