In situ biodegradation studies of cellophane using indigenously developed bacterial consortia

Abstract Cellophane, a bio-based fibrous film is considered sustainable, biodegradable and potential substitute for petrochemical based plastic films. However, addition of extra coating agents are making them recalcitrant in nature and therefore, their persistence after disposal is becoming a serious environmental concern. In this study, previously defined bacterial consortia viz. C-I, C-II and C-III were used to evaluate the efficacy under in situ conditions for the possible remediation of cellophane film waste. Comparative analyses of recovered biodegraded films have shown extensive damage on the surface of the films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that the consortium C-II and C-III have significant effect on the spectral absorptions of the degraded cellophane films. The simultaneous thermogravimetric-derivative thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA) of biodegraded samples treated with C-II and C-III also exhibited tremendous weight losses at 457°C (85.7% and 95.7%, respectively) as compared with respective control (85%). Furthermore, the progressive degradation of cellophane films was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing the effect of bacterial mixed cultures on surface topography. Conclusively, present study signifies the cellophane degrading potential of previously tested bacterial consortia under natural conditions which will be a step forward to develop as an eco-friendly tool for plastic waste disposal.