This study attempted to isolate and identify pedospheric microbes originating in dumpsites and utilized them for the degradation of selected synthetic polymers for the first time in a cost-effective, ecologically favorable and sustainable manner. Specifically, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyurethane (PUR) were converted by the isolated fungi, i.e., Aspergillus flavus, A terreus, A. clavatus, A. nigers and bacterial coccus and filamentous microbes and assessed in a biotransformative assay under simulated conditions. Commendable biodegradative potentials were exhibited by the isolated microbes against polymers that were analyzed over a span of 30 days. Among the selected fungal microbes, the highest activity was achieved by A. niger, expressing 55% and 40% conversion of LDPE and PUR, respectively. In the case of bacterial strains, 50% and 40% conversion of LDPE and PUR degradation was achieved by coccus. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were utilized to analyze the degradative patterns in terms of vibrational and thermal characteristics, and stereomicroscopic analysis was performed for the visual assessment of morphological variations. Profound structural transformations were detected in FT-IR spectra and TGA thermograms for the selected microbes. Stereomicroscopic analysis was also indicative of the remarkable transformation of the surface morphology of these polymers after degradation by microbes in comparison to the reference samples not treated with any pedospheric microbes. The results are supportive of the utilization of the selected pedospheric microbes as environmental remediators for the cleanup of persistent polymeric toxins. This current work can be further extended for the successful optimization of further augmented percentages by using other pedospheric microbes for the successful adoption of these biotechnological tools at a practical level.

The current energy crisis and waste management problems have compelled people to find alternatives to conventional non-renewable fuels and utilize waste to recover energy. Pyrolysis of plastics, which make up a considerable portion of municipal and industrial waste, has emerged as a feasible resolution to both satisfy our energy needs and mitigate the issue of plastic waste. This study was therefore conducted to find a solution for plastic waste management problems, as well as to find an alternative to mitigate the current energy crisis. Pyrolysis of five of the most commonly used plastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), was executed in a pyrolytic reactor designed utilizing a cylindrical shaped stainless steel container with pressure and temperature gauges and a condenser to cool down the hydrocarbons produced. The liquid products collected were highly flammable and their chemical properties revealed them as fuel alternatives. Among them, the highest yield of fuel conversion (82%) was observed for HDPE followed by PP, PS, LDPE, PS, and PET (61.8%, 58.0%, 50.0%, and 11.0%, respectively). The calorific values of the products, 46.2, 46.2, 45.9, 42.8 and 42.4 MJ/kg for LPDE, PP, HPDE, PS, and PET, respectively, were comparable to those of diesel and gasoline. Spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis proved the presence of alkanes and alkenes with carbon number ranges of C₉–C₁₅, C₉–C₂₄, C₁₀–C₂₁, C₁₀–C₂₈, and C₉–C₁₇ for PP, PET, HDPE, LDPE, and PS, respectively. If implemented, the study will prove to be beneficial and contribute to mitigating the major energy and environmental issues of developing countries, as well as enhance entrepreneurship opportunities by replicating the process at small-scale and industrial levels.