ISSN: 0973-7510

E-ISSN: 2581-690X

Shahrzad Khoramnejadian
1Department of Environment, Damavand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damavand, Iran.
J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2013;7(4):2857-2860
© The Author(s). 2013
Received: 11/01/2013 | Accepted: 28/03/2013 | Published: 30/12/2013
Abstract

Polypropylene has a special place in plastic industries. Polypropylene like other synthetic plastic doesn’t degrade by microorganisms, so remain in the nature and has a harmful effect on environment. Biodegradable plastic could help to solve this problem. In this article biodegradable blend of polypropylene and starch was prepared. Samples with different levels of starch (10% and 20%) were prepared. Pure Polypropylene and starch based samples buried in soil for 6 months and exposure to mould growth. Every two months samples removed from the soil and weight change were measured. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) approved Polypropylene/ starch blend biodegradation. Result approved that Polypropylene / Starch blend are degradable in soil.  This method could be used for reduce pollution in the environment. Samples were exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 84th days. Pseudomonas aeruginosa consumed the polymer and confirmed biodegradability of compound.

Keywords

Polypropylene, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Biodegradation

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