(Photo : Mali Maeder)

University of the Philippines-Baguio scientists have discovered plastic-eating microorganisms in Zambales.

Biologists from the said university have discovered four bacterial strains that can biodegrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE is commonly used in shampoo bottles, cling wrap, and plastic bags.

The findings of Denisse Yans dela Torre, Lee delos Santos, Mari Louise Reyes, and Ronan Baculi were published in the Philippine Science Letters.

The source of the bacterial strains was from the rock crevices of the Poon Bato spring in Botolan, Zambales. The study revealed that some of the strains have the capacity to degrade LDPE that have high resistance to degradation under natural conditions.

The weight of plastic polymer was significantly reduced by four of the nine bacteria that were isolated from the spring during the 90-day incubation period.

The researchers reported that environment-friendly byproducts were produced by the bacteria after consuming the plastic.

"Results revealed changes in physical structure and also chemical composition of the films. Another method which determined plastic utilization of the bacteria was the evident decrease in the weight of the films," the office of the UP vice president for academic affairs said in a brief about the study.

"Protein analysis also indicated that bacterial cells could live and proliferate with films as the source of energy. Looking at the physical and chemical changes of the plastics before and after some time with the bacterial isolates, it was deduced that these minute organisms can possibly end plastic domination by making a meal out of it," it added.

It was possible for the bacteria to degrade the LDPE because of the hyper alkalinity of the environment.

Other researches showed that organisms that thrive in extreme conditions have the capacity to biodegrade plastics.

Poon Bato Spring is alkaline and it contains calcium, magnesium, sulfate, chloride, and iron.

The results of this study have great potential in addressing the issue regarding plastics as an environmental concern.

The scientists recommended the formulation of a "microbial consortia" and to continue research to determine the distribution and population of polymer-degrading microorganisms.

"This study demonstrated the ability of the isolates to degrade polyethylene even in the absence of prior oxidation treatments," they wrote.

"The results showed that selected microorganisms exhibited great potential for LDPE biodegradation, a discovery which can be used in reducing solid waste currently accumulating in natural environments," they added.