1.1 Introduction
Polythenes in large amount get accumulated in the environment and thus create environmental issue. It is necessary to degrade polythene from atmosphere therefore an attempt has been made in this paper to isolate those microorganism that degrades the polythene. Currently enzymatic degradation is most widely used methods for plastics waste treatment. This method of biodegradation by microbial enzymes increases the rate of degradation of plastics without causing any harm to the environment (Bhardwaj et al, 2012).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Plastics can be said as an building materials as they are being used for various purposes in our daily life (Gnanavel et al.,2012). On the contrary they causes the environmental pollution by getting accumulated in the environment this takes place because of their stable nature (Hemashenpagam et al.,2013;). In most of the countries this plastic pollution are caused due to improper recycling and waste management systems (Jayasiri et al, 2013). Biodegradation is a process which include microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that can degrade the polythene and therefore the process of Biodegradation is an upcoming trend in this field of degradation (Gu et al, 2000). The microbial degradation of plastic is carried out by enzymatic activities which lead to the breakdown of polymer into monomers and oligomers followed by metabolism by microbial cells. Aerobic metabolism leads to the production of carbon dioxideand water (Starnecker and Menner, 1996) and on the contrary anaerobic metabolism production of carbon dioxide, water and methane as the end products (Gu et al., 2000). Worldwide utilization of polyethylene is increasing at a rate of 12% per annum and approximately 140 million tones of synthetic polymers are produced each year (Shimao, 2001). It takes thousand years for their efficient degradation, huge amount of polythene getting accumulated in the environment, so their disposal creates a big problem in terms of ecology. Some possible methods are there for this purpose are biodegradation and biorecycling (Yang et al., 2005).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Biodegradation of Polythenes by Bacteria Isolation from Dumping Side.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Investigation reveals the growing accumulation of plastic wastes is one of the main environmental challenges currently faced by modern societies. These wastes are considered a serious global problem because of their effects on all forms of life. There is thus an urgent need to demonstrate effective eco-environmental techniques to overcome the hazardous environmental impacts of traditional disposal paths. However, our current knowledge on the prevailing mechanisms and the efficacy of synthetic plastics' biodegradation still appears limited.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Biodegradation of Polythenes by Bacteria Isolation from Dumping Side. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate the Bacteria Biodegradation of Polythenes from Dumping Side
- To isolate the microorganism that degrades the polythene.
1.5 Significance of Study
Polythene plays an important role in packaging of goods, food material, medicine and garbage bags etc but its degradation is becoming a great threat and vital cause of environmental pollution. There are various polythene degradation methods available but the eco-friendly and acceptable method is by using microbes. This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Biodegradation of Polythenes by Bacteria Isolation from Dumping Side in Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Isolates: isolate simply means cause (a person or place) to be or remain alone or apart from others.
Phytochemical: This is a substance produced mainly by plants, and these substances have biological activity.
Component: it simply means one part of a whole thing.
Antibacterial: Anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce. Heat, chemicals such as chlorine, and antibiotic drugs all have antibacterial properties.
Effect: a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
