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Mulching is a common method increasing crop yield and achieving out-of-season production; nevertheless, their removal poses a significant environmental danger. In this scenario, the use of biodegradable plastic mulches comes up as a solution to increase the sustainability of this practice, as they can be tilled in soil without risk for the environment. In this context, it is important to study the microbial response to this practice, considering their direct involvement in plastic biodegradation. This study evaluated the biodegradation of three commercial mulch residues: one conventional non-biodegradable mulch versus two biodegradable ones (white and black compostable Mater-Bi mulches). The experiment was conducted under three incubation temperatures (room temperature 20–25 °C, 30 °C, and 45 °C) for a 6-month trial using fallow agricultural soil. Soil without plastic mulch residues was used as a control. White mater-bi biodegradable mulch residues showed higher degradation rates up to 88.90% at 30 °C, and up to 69.15% at room temperature. Furthermore, incubation at 45 °C determines the absence of degradation for all types of mulch considered. Moreover, bacterial alpha diversity was primarily influenced by plastic type and temperature, while fungal populations were mainly affected by temperature. Beta diversity was impacted by all experimental variables. Predicted functional genes crucial for degrading complex substrates, including those encoding hydrolases, cutinases, cellobiosidases, and lipases, were derived from 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. Cluster analysis based on predicted enzyme-encoding gene abundance revealed two clusters, mainly linked to sampling time. Finally, core microbiome analysis identified dominant bacterial and fungal taxa in various soil-plastic ecosystems during degradation, pinpointing species potentially involved in plastic breakdown. The present study allows an assessment of how different temperatures affect the degradation of mulch residues in soil, providing important insights for different climatic growing zones. It also fills a gap in the literature by directly comparing the effects of biodegradable and polyethylene mulches on soil microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose diacetate (CDA) is a bio-based plastic widely used in consumer products. CDA is a promising alternative to conventional thermoplastics due to its susceptibility to biodegradation in various environments. Despite widespread evidence for the degradation of CDA, relatively little is known about the microorganisms that drive degradation, particularly in the ocean. Recently, we documented the biodegradation of CDA-based materials (i.e., fabric, film, and foam) in a continuous-flow natural seawater mesocosm on the timescales of months, as indicated by mass loss, enzyme activity, and respiration to carbon dioxide. These findings paved the way for the present study aimed at identifying key microbial taxa implicated in CDA degradation. Analysis based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of bacteria and archaea revealed that material type, incubation time, material morphology (e.g., fabric vs film), and plasticizer content significantly influenced the microbial community structure. Differential abundance analysis revealed that bacterial taxa affiliated with the families of Arenicellaceae, Cellvibrionaceae, Methyloligellaceae, Micavibrionaceae, Puniceicoccaceae, Spirosomaceae, and Thermoanaerobaculaceae, and the order of Pseudomonadales potentially initiated the degradation (i.e., deacetylation) of CDA fabric and film. These taxa were notably distinct from CDA-degrading microbes reported in non-seawater environments. Collectively, the findings lend further support for CDA as a promising next-generation, high-utility, and low-environmental persistence bioplastic material. IMPORTANCE Cellulose diacetate (CDA) is a promising alternative to conventional plastics due to its versatility in manufacturing and low environmental persistence. Previously, our group demonstrated that CDA is susceptible to biodegradation in the ocean on timescales of months. In this study, we report the composition of microorganisms driving CDA degradation in the coastal ocean. We found that the coastal ocean harbors distinct bacterial taxa implicated in CDA degradation and these taxa have not been previously identified in prior CDA degradation studies, indicating an unexplored diversity of CDA-degrading bacteria in the ocean. Moreover, the shape of the plastic article (e.g., a fabric, film, or foam) and plasticizer in the plastic matrix selected for different microbial communities. Our findings pave the way for future studies to identify the specific species and enzymes that drive CDA degradation in the marine environment, ultimately yielding a more predictive understanding of CDA biodegradation across space and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a sustainable economy, biodegradable biopolymers polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are desirable substitutes to petroleum-based plastics that contaminate our environment. Medium-chain-length (MCL) PHA bioplastics are particularly interesting due to their thermoplastic properties. To hamper the high cost associated to PHA production, the use of bacterial mixed cultures cultivated in open systems and using cheap resources is a promising strategy. Here, we studied the operating conditions favouring direct MCL accumulation by activated sludge, using oleic acid as a model substrate and phosphorus limitation in fed-batch bioreactors. Our results confirm the presence of PHA-accumulating organisms (PHAAO) in activated sludge able to accumulate MCL from oleic acid. A positive correlation between phosphorus (P) limitation and PHA accumulation was demonstrated, allowing up to 26% PHA/total biomass accumulation, and highlighted its negative impact on the MCL/PHA fraction in the polymer. Diversity analysis through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed a differential selection of PHAAO according to the P-limitation level. A differential behaviour for the orders Pseudomonadales and Burkholderiales at increasing P-limitation levels was revealed, with a higher abundance of the latter at high levels of P-limitation. The PHA accumulation observed in activated sludge open new perspectives for MCL-PHA production system based on P-limitation strategy applied to mixed microbial communities. Key points: • Direct accumulation of MCL-PHA in activated sludge was demonstrated. • MCL-PHA content is negatively correlated with P-limitation. • Burkholderiales members discriminate the highest P-limitation levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable polymers offer a potential solution to marine pollution caused by plastic waste. The marine biofilms that formed on the surfaces of poly(lactide acid) (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) were studied. Bioplastics were exposed for 6 months to marine conditions in the Mediterranean Sea, and the biofilms that formed on their surfaces were assessed. The presence of specific PLA and PHBV degraders was also studied. PHBV showed extensive areas with microbial accumulations and this led to higher microbial surface densities than PLA (4.75 vs. 5.16 log CFU/cm2). Both polymers' surfaces showed a wide variety of microbial structures, including bacteria, fungi, unicellular algae and choanoflagellates. A high bacterial diversity was observed, with differences between the two polymers, particularly at the phylum level, with over 70% of bacteria affiliated to three phyla. Differences in metagenome functions were also detected, revealing a higher presence of proteins involved in PHBV biodegradation in PHBV biofilms. Four bacterial isolates belonging to the Proteobacteria class were identified as PHBV degraders, demonstrating the presence of species involved in the biodegradation of this polymer in seawater. No PLA degraders were detected, confirming its low biodegradability in marine environments. This was a pilot study to establish a baseline for further studies aimed at comprehending the marine biodegradation of biopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are the best natural macromolecules to use as alternative to the synthetic polymers. Many prokaryotes accumulate PHA as cytoplasmic intracellular granules and their accumulation is triggered by starving conditions. The PHAs are ecofriendly and used to create biodegradable plastics. The microbial synthesized PHA had acquired global importance in industrial and biomedical sectors. Results: Ten different bacterial strains were isolated for the screening of PHA producers from the estuarine region of the Bay of Bengal, Suryalanka in Bapatla. A yellowish slimy circular colony known as M4 is actively growing on selective minimal media and was screened for polymeric granules in its cytoplasm using Sudan Black B and confirmed with the fluorescent dye Nile blue A. All of the isolates were biochemically tested and isolate M4 is the most capable of growing at high NaCl concentrations (3.2 percent) and tests positive for catalase, methyl red. The M4 strain revealed clear hydrolysis of gelatin, starch, and casein. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that M4 is 99.72% of identity to Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum LMG 19861(T) in BLAST and the obtained strain was assigned with accession no. MTCC 13074 and deposited in NCBI with accession no. MW899045. The chief cellular fatty acids found in M4 were C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C18:1cis-9, C18:0, iso-C15: 0, iso-C14: 0, anteiso-C17: 0 and C18:1-7. Crotonic acid formation from M4-PHB extract was detected at 235nm in a UV spectrophotometer. Methanolysis was done, and derivatives of polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB) in the extract were analyzed using GC-MS. Increasing viscosity was seen in the extracts which confirms the presence of polymer in the extracts. Thermogravimetric analysis was studied to determine the thermal profile of the PHB in the extract of M4. Conclusion: In the study, the selective screening and extraction of ecofriendly PHB from M4 strain was highlighted. Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum is a novel strain showed its uniqueness by producing few monomeric derivatives of PHB. The strain was reporting for the first time as PHA producer. B. paraconglomeratum has promising characteristics according to its metabolic profile. In addition, this study also helps to understand the diversity of bacteria isolated from marine sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plastic waste accumulation is one of the main ecological concerns in the past decades. A new generation of plastics that are easier to degrade in the environment compared to conventional plastics, such as starch-based bioplastics and oxo-biodegradable plastics, is perceived as a solution to this issue. However, the fate of these materials in the environment are unclear, and less is known about how their presence affect the microorganisms that may play a role in their biodegradation. In this study, we monitored the dynamics of bacterial community in soil upon introduction of commercial carrier bags claimed as biodegradable: cassava starch-based bioplastic and oxo-low-density polyethylene (oxo-LDPE). Each type of plastic bag was buried separately in compost soil and incubated for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Following incubation, soil pH and temperature as well as the weight of remaining plastics were measured. Bacterial diversity in soil attached to the surface of remaining plastics was analyzed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16SrRNA gene. Results: After 120 days, the starch-based bioplastic weight has decreased by 74%, while the oxo-LDPE remained intact with only 3% weight reduction. The bacterial composition in soil fluctuated over time with or without the introduction of either type of plastic. While major bacterial phyla remained similar for all treatment in this study, different types of plastics led to different soil bacterial community structure. None of these bacteria were abundant continuously, but rather they emerged at specific time points. The introduction of plastics into soil increased not only the population of bacteria known for their ability to directly utilize plastic component for their growth, but also the abundance of those that may interact with direct degraders. Bacterial groups that are involved in nitrogen cycling also arose throughout burial. Conclusions: The introduction of starch-based bioplastic and oxo-LDPE led to contrasting shift in soil bacterial population overtime, which may determine their fate in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While bioplastics are gaining wide interest in replacing conventional plastics, it is necessary to understand whether the treatment of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) as an end-of-life option is compatible with their biodegradation and their possible role in shaping the microbial communities involved in the processes. In the present work, we assessed the microbiological impact of rigid polylactic acid (PLA) and starch-based bioplastics (SBB) spoons on the thermophilic anaerobic digestion and the aerobic composting of OFMSW under real plant conditions. In order to thoroughly evaluate the effect of PLA and SBB on the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities during the process, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology was carried out. The results suggest that bioplastics shape the communities' structure, especially in the aerobic phase. Distinctive bacterial and fungal sequences were found for SBB compared to the positive control, which showed a more limited diversity. Mucor racemosus was especially abundant in composts from bioplastics' treatment, whereas Penicillium roqueforti was found only in compost from PLA and Thermomyces lanuginosus in that from SBB. This work shed a light on the microbial communities involved in the OFMSW treatment with and without the presence of bioplastics, using a new approach to evaluate this end-of-life option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • BMs crippled nitrification but stimulated heterotrophic denitrification. • Denitrification was responsible for the dose-dependent increase in N 2 O emission. • The addition of BMs did not proportionally increase microbial biomass nitrogen. • Bacterial diversity and community composition were altered by BMs. Biodegradable plastic mulching films are regarded as promising substitutes for their non-degradable counterparts to ameliorate serious plastic pollution in agriculture. Inevitably, biodegradable microplastics (BMs) can be formed and profoundly affect the function of soil ecosystems. However, little is known about the effects of BMs loading on soil nitrogen (N) dynamics and loss in tropical agricultural soils. Hereby, a 120-day soil incubation trial was performed to evaluate the effects of polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) microplastics on nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions, N transformation, and bacterial community structure in latosols. The results showed that PBAT addition raised soil ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 +–N) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents, but lowered nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 ––N) contents, accompanied with a smaller potential nitrification rate and a greater potential denitrification rate. The microbial biomass nitrogen and nrfA gene abundance were increased by PBAT, suggesting the processes of microbial N immobilization and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia were largely promoted. Positive correlations existed between N 2 O emissions and denitrification-related enzymatic activities and functional gene abundances (narG , nirK/S and Fungal nirK). PBAT amendment stimulated N 2 O emissions by 54.8 − 317.3 %, accompanied with increased values of those denitrification-related parameters, suggesting that stimulated denitrification was responsible for the exacerbated N 2 O emissions. Moreover, PBAT addition changed bacterial alpha diversity and bacterial community composition, where the relative abundances of Proteobacteria increased while those of Nitrospirae and Acidobacteria decreased. These findings are beneficial to understanding the fate of N in microplastics-polluted soil, which will provide a new insight into the impact of BMs on soil functions and environmental risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has posed a serious threat to the environment in the world. Biodegradable plastics can be widely expected to effectively mitigate plastic pollution. The subsequent industrial composting can also be treated to reduce the growing demand for landfills. In this research, the microorganisms responded to the biodegradation mechanism was proposed for the PBAT-PLA biodegradable packaging under the controlled industrial aerobic composting, according to the national standard (GB/T 19277.1-2011). Microcrystalline cellulose was used as reference material. The compost samples were taken on day 140 when the degradation was in the active period. The initial compost (before degradation), compost without any biodegradable material, compost with microcrystalline cellulose, and compost with PBAT-PLA packaging materials were then labeled as compost A, B, C, and D, respectively. The bacterial/fungal community was analyzed during degradation, including the species diversity, speciation, and species difference. A sample comparison was made through 16S/18S high-throughput sequencing of microorganisms in compost. The microscopic morphologies of PBAT-PLA packaging materials and microcrystalline cellulose were characterized by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), in order to explore the intrinsic microbial response to the degradation mechanism. The results showed that the bacterial diversity of compost B under the industrial composting at 58 ± 2 ℃ was significantly lower than that of initial compost A since only some thermophilic bacteria survived. The bacterial diversities in compost C and D were significantly higher than that of compost B, due to the addition of cellulose or biodegradable packaging materials which provided carbon sources. There was no significant change in the fungal diversity, due to unsuitable for most fungi to survive at high temperatures. The fungal abundance changed, due to the temperature and carbon source in the compost, where the compost B (blank sample) showed the lowest fungal abundance. The dominant bacteria in the compost C and D were Sphaerobacter, Longispora, norank_f_norank_o_Actinomarinales, and Rubrobacter, which belonged to Actinomycete. The student’s T-test was used to compare the composition of bacteria and fungi in the compost C and D with those in the compost B. The significant growing bacteria in the compost C and D, including norank_f_Euzebyaceae, unclassified_c_Actinobacteria, and Actinobacteria, belonged to Actinomycetes. Therefore, there were similar degrading microorganisms of PBAT-PLA membrane bag and microcrystalline cellulose at (58±2) ℃. The SEM images showed that the surface of PBAT-PLA packaging after degradation was covered with a layer of biofilm. The biofilm was mainly composed of the clusters of ellipsoid bacteria, which were inferred to be Sphaerobacter. Actinomycetes presented a positive effect on the depolymerization of polyester and the degradation of cellulose under industrial composting conditions. The complete biodegradation of polyester and cellulose depended on the microbial synergy, rather than a single strain. Therefore, the dominant bacteria and significant growth bacteria of biodegradable materials under industrial composting conditions can be expected to serve as a theoretical basis for screening key biodegradation bacteria in the future. It can also greatly contribute to breaking through the technical barriers of the long detection cycle with the current biodegradation for higher efficiency and speed. The identification of microbial communities can be an important indicator to evaluate the impact of the compost produced by biodegradable plastics on crops growth, and agricultural ecological environment. Consequently, a theoretical foundation can be made to optimize the industrial composting and biodegradable plastic testing standards. The finding can also provide a scientific basis for the large-scale promotion of biodegradable plastic films and the application of the compost produced from biodegradable plastics in advanced (or modern) agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable plastic mulch film (BDM) is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional polyethylene mulch, and has been growingly used in agriculture. However, practical degradation performance of BDM, especially the widely used type of blended polylactic acid (PLA)/polybutylene adipate (PBAT) in different ratios, and microbial alteration in soil environments, remain largely unrevealed. In this study, four types of BDM blended with 40–80% PLA and 20–60% PBAT were comparatively investigated through microcosm soil incubation experiments for 105 days, and combined with conditions of different soil moisture or pH. Microbiome within film-surrounding soil were assayed using 16 S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results showed a trend of increasing degradation efficiency with the increase of PLA proportion, and 70% PLA and 30% PBAT group presented the highest weight loss rate, i.e. , 60.16 ± 5.86%. In addition, degradation and aging of PLA/PBAT varied among different soil moisture and pH values. A moderate moisture, i.e., 60% and a neutral pH7.0 caused significantly high degradation efficiency compared to other moisture or pH conditions. Moreover, bacterial abundance and community structure in the surrounding soil were related to soil moisture and pH. PLA/PBAT incubation treatment induced a remarkable increase in abundance of degradation-related species Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas. Bacterial richness and diversity in soil correspondingly respond to ratio-different PLA/PBAT's degradation under moisture/pH-different conditions through a redundancy analysis. Altogether, these findings indicate that practical degradation of PLA/PBAT film is closely related to soil environments and bacterial community. It is significant for the application of biodegradable plastics in agriculture on the perspective of soil sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]