Original scientific paper

Microbial Colonization of High Density Polyethylene Garbage Bags

Jasna Hrenović orcid.org/0000-0001-8513-3993 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Division of Biology, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Veronika Kovač ; Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb
Tomislav Ivanković ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Division of Biology, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the microbial colonization and potential biodegradation of classical high density polyethylene (HDPE)
garbage bags in conditions which refl ects its real disposal without preliminary abiotic pretreatment. The HDPE fi lms were buried during 14 weeks in containers with humifi ed soil, activated sludge and its mixture. The colonization of heterotrophic mesophilic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria on the HDPE was monitored. The bacteria and fungi formed biofi lms on the surface of HDPE, but did not have the potential to degrade it since no changes in FTIR spectra of HDPE fi lms were observed. The classical HDPE is primary nontoxic inert material, which is not biodegradable in environmental conditions, what represents a serious ecological problem.

Keywords

Bacteria; Colonization; High density polyethylene; Plastic; Resistance

Hrčak ID:

70729

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/70729

Publication date:

30.6.2011.

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