Biodegradation of the plastics PLA and PET in cultivated soil with the participation of microorganisms and plants

The research objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of selected rhizosphere strains in accelerating the biodegradation of plastics in cultivated soil. The study was a continuation of experiments conducted in compost soil. The experiments confirmed the ability of the two bacteria and fungi strains in biodegradation of polylactide (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The combination of these microorganisms with some tested plant species increased the microbial population in the soil and, at the same time, degradation of the plastic films. The presence of the microorganisms in soil together with PLA reduced the soil pH value. The significant degradation changes of polymers were observed in the presence of S. plymuthica in both compost and cultivated soil. The presence of 155 genes related to xenobiotics biodegradation and removal was demonstrated after sequencing of the genome of this bacterium. These results can be used to develop an effective method for remediating plastic wastes in soils and landfills. •Rhizosphere bacteria and fungi accelerated the biodegradation of PLA and PET in cultivated soil.•Rhizosphere microorganisms stimulated the growth plants in cultivated soil containing.•Plastic.•The presence of S. viminalis supported the biodegradation of PLA and PET in cultivated soil.