Enhanced microbial degradation of PET and PS microplastics under natural conditions in mangrove environment.

In-situ bioremediation of mangrove soil contaminated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics was investigated using indigenous microbial consortium with adequate capacity to degrade the plastics. Eight (8) bacteria were isolated from plastic/microplastic-inundated mangrove soil and screened for the ability to degrade PET and PS microplastics. Optical density at 600 nm and colony forming unit counts were measured to evaluate the growth response of the microbes in the presence of PS and PET microplastics at different times of exposure. Structural and surface changes that occurred post biodegradation on the microplastics were determined through EDS and SEM analysis. The obtained results demonstrated the elongation and disappearance of peaks, suggesting that the microbial consortium could modify both types of microplastics. The overall results of the microplastic degradation showed varied degrees of weight loss after 90 experimental days, with the treated plot recorded 18% weight loss. The augmented soil was increased in the concentrations of Si S, and Fe and decreased in the concentrations of C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Cl, and K after bioremediation.

Biodegradation of crude oil by Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from fermented zobo (locally fermented beverage in Nigeria).

The increase in demand for crude oil as a source of energy and as a primary raw material for industries has resulted in an increase in its production, transportation and refining, which in turn has resulted in gross pollution of the environment. In this study, Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from a commercially prepared local fermented beverage 'zobo' (prepared from Hibiscus flower) was tested to determine its potential to degrade crude oil for a period of 28 days under aerobic condition. The percentage of oil biodegradation was determined using weight loss method and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) of the residual crude oil after 28 days. At the end of 28 days 49.29% crude oil degradation was recorded. The result suggests the potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for bioremediation of oil polluted sites.