*Corresponding Author: Dr. Murali Markandan, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology,
St. Joseph University, Chumoukedima, Nagaland, Email: [email protected]. 97
International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences ISSN: 2455-9571
Volume 10, Issue 5, pp: 97-108, 2025 http://www.ijzab.com
https://doi.org/10.55126/ijzab.2025.v10.i05.013
Research Article
EXAMINING AND IDENTIFYING BACTERIA-MEDIATED
POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE BOTTLE WASTE
DEGRADATION BYPROPS
Tosheinla Pongen, Shiutsu K Thongliu, J. Vincy Vijila and *Murali Markandan
Department of Zoology, St. Joseph University, Chumoukedima, Nagaland, India-797115.
Article History: Received 29th July 2025; Accepted 28th August 2025; Published 30th September 2025
ABSTRACT
Plastic waste accumulation raises concerns about global environmental risk due to persistence of Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) which degrades slowly and release harmful compounds. Hence, it becomes increasingly imperative to
remove plastic waste from the environment. In light of this, the present study examined the PET degradation capacity of
naturally existing bacteria obtained from sites where plastic garbage was dumped. Bacillus subtilis was isolated from the
old PET plastic waste bottles. Pre-treated PET (Ultraviolet light, Sunlight and untreated PET) plastics were cultured with
Bacillus subtilis for six months at 37o C to examine their biodegradability in Minimal Salt Medium. The functional groups
of PET wastes and deteriorated by-products in MSM were analyzed for change using Gas chromatography–mass
spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It revealed that the bacterial biodegradation
led to appearance of new peaks such as alkyl aryl ether and alkene groups in ultraviolet-pretreated PET microplastics when
compared to sunlight and control PET microplastics. After six months of incubation of PET microplastics, Bis(2-
ethylhexyl) phthalate, fatty acids, amides, and ketones were detected in the supernatants of Ultraviolet-treated and sunlight-
treated PET microplastics in minimal salt medium. The soil bacteria showed the potential to degrade PET and hence could
be employed for eliminating PET from plastic contaminated sites.
Keywords: Biodegraded compounds, FTIR, GCMS, PET.
INTRODUCTION
In today’s world, plastics are extensively utilized; an
estimated 320 million metric tonnes are produced
worldwide each year (Ragusa et al., 2021). On the other
hand, the durability and persistence of plastic materials
have resulted in significant environmental problems,
including the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills,
waterways, and oceans. Approximately 8 million tonnes of
plastic waste enter the ocean annually (Mendoza and
Balcer, 2018). After being introduced to the water
environment, plastic can undergo degradation caused by
factors like microbiological activity, radiation, and
mechanical stress, leading to the disintegration and
fragmentation of larger plastic items into smaller particles
called microplastics (Silva et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2021).
Due to their potential effects on both human health and the
environment, microplastics are an especially
dangerous type of plastic pollution. In this form, plastics
easily pollute marine environments, which has led to their
getting into the food chain for both humans and animals.
Clodagh M. Carr et al., have connected this to a number of
harmful health impacts, including cancer, immunological
problems, and congenital defects (Clodagh M. Carr et al.
(2020). Recent studies have identified MPs in the air,
water, soil, fresh water, drinking water, lakes oceans,
aquatic and terrestrial environments, food products, human
placenta, and stools (Felismino et al., 2021; Li et al., 2021;
Malla Pradhan et al., 2022; Ragusa et al., 2021). Therefore,
it is upmost necessity to study about the various treatment
techniques that are useful in Plastics waste management
and the effectiveness of these techniques in the removal of
microplastics in environment (Krishnan et al., 2023). In the
case of polymers, such as PET, a continuous chain of
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 98
repetitive ethylene units makes it resistant to degradation.
The hydrophobic nature of polymer hinders the attachment
of microorganisms to its surface. Physical treatments,
which include UV, thermal, and chemical, lead to oxidation
of the polymer surface and also decrease the
hydrophobicity of the surface (Sudhakar et al., 2008),
which ultimately helps in the formation of microbial
biofilm on its surface (Gilan et al., 2004). Thus, treatment
leading to oxidation of the polymer can be effectively used
as a pretreatment strategy before subjecting it to
biodegradation. An increase in the biodegradation of
polyethylene was observed with an increase in the time of
exposure to UV (Hadad et al., 2005). In earlier
investigation, various microorganisms, including bacteria,
have been reported to be able to consume PET plastics,
Bacillus cereus SEHDO3 and Agromyces mediolanus PNP3
(Patricia Torena et al., 2020), Vibrop alginolyticus,
Pseudoalteromonas caenipelagi, Microbulbifer pacificus,
Pseudomonas marincola and Bacillus subtilis. The ability
of these bacteria to biodegrade plastics represents an
opportunity to effectively remove persistent pollutants from
the environment (Aqil Azizi et al.,2024). The current study
investigated the biodegradation of pre-treated PET
microplastics by bacteria. PET plastics and examined the
biodegradation of PETMPs using GC-MS and FTIR.
MATRIALS AND METHODS
Bacterial isolation and identification
The old PET waste bottle was collected from the waste
dumping site (St. Joseph University, Dimapur Nagaland,
India). The waste bottle was cut into small pieces and
washed properly with distilled water and let it to dry. It was
then directly inoculated in Nutrient Broth and incubated at
37˚C for 24 hours allowing for the bacterial growth. After
24 hours of incubation the bacteria were isolated and
cultured separately using slant culture method. One
bacterium was isolated and one has been selected for
further study and 16srRNA sequences were analyzed.
Bacterial Gene sequences were submitted in NCBI to
analyze pair wise similarity and receive accession number
(MK128437).
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastic (PET MP)
sample preparation
PET plastic bottles were purchased and cut into small
flakes. It was further crushed to make microplastics,
thereafter it was exposed to UV light (Laminar Airflow
chamber UV light) to yield UV-PETMPs(UV ray exposed
PET Microplastics)for 15 days and also exposed sunlight
for 15 days SL-PETMP (PETMP Placed open place for
sunlight exposed).Pre-treated (UV-PETMP and SL-
PETMP) and control PET powder (Un pre-treated (UT-
PETMP) sample inoculate with Bacillus subtilis in the
Minimal salt media (MSM: Minimal Salts media was
prepared by dissolving 1.73g K2HPO4, 0.1g MgSO4.2H2O,
4g NaCl, 0.03 FeSO4.7H2O, 1g KNO3, 0.02g CaCl2.H2O in
1000ml of distilled water). The whole culture media was
incubated for a period of six month at a temperature of
37˚C. End the experiment the supernatant of MSM were
subjected by GCMS and PET microplastics were subjected
by FTIR.
FTIR analysis
Chemical changes occurring on the surface of the PET were
analysed using FTIR spectrophotometer Fourier transform
infrared (FTIR). Measurements were carried out with the
Perkin Elmer Spectrum two (version 10.03.09) in the range
of 4000-400 cm-1. FTIR spectra were recorded at a
resolution of 2cm-1 and at an accumulation of 32 scans.
GC-MC analysis
After six-month incubation, the supernatant of MSM
medium subject to analysis GC-MS. GC-MS analysis was
carried out using GC-MS (QP2010 PLUS Shimadzu,
Japan). The column oven temperature was 60.0˚C and
injection temperature was 260˚C. A pressure of 73.3 kPa
was maintained with a total flow of 16.3 mL/min and a
column flow of 1.21 mL/min. The linear velocity was 40.1
cm/sec, purge flow of 3.0 mL /min and a split ratio of 10.0.
The GC program ion source temperature was 230.00˚C,
interface temperature 270.00˚C with a solvent cut time of
3.50 min. The MS program start time was 4.00 min and
ended at 44.00 min. the event time was 0.20 sec at a scan
speed of 1666μl/sec. Mass spectra were recorded and the
range was m/z 30-500 amu. The total running time was 40
minutes. Identification of components: The National
Institute of Standard and Technology's (NIST) database and
WILEY 8 were used to interpret the mass spectrum of the
GC-MS. The name, structure and molecular weight of the
components present were ascertained. The percentage of
each compound present was calculated by comparing the
individual peak area to the total area.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
FTIR analysis showed the change in spectra between the
control and treated sample at different wavelengths. The
Peak value and Functional groups as showed in the table
(Table-1,2). Some new peak was detected in the bacterial
treated UV PET-MP. C=O Stretching of the alkyl aryl ether
group were observed as peak at 2582 cm-1, 2388 cm-1, 2285
cm-1, 2117 cm-1, 1721 cm-1. C=C bending of the alkene
group were all shown by the peaks at 1579 cm-1 and 1506
cm-1. C-H stretching in the alkene groups was responsible
for the peaks at 1408 cm-1, 1342 cm-1 and 1020 cm-1.
Moreover, new speaks was detected in the sun light treated
and Bacterial inoculated PETMPs. C=O stretching of alkyl
was observed as peaks at 2520 cm-1, 1959 cm-1,1715 cm-1
and 1507 cm-1 (C-C) in Sun light-PETMPs. (Figure1,
Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Table-1)
www.ijzab.com 98
repetitive ethylene units makes it resistant to degradation.
The hydrophobic nature of polymer hinders the attachment
of microorganisms to its surface. Physical treatments,
which include UV, thermal, and chemical, lead to oxidation
of the polymer surface and also decrease the
hydrophobicity of the surface (Sudhakar et al., 2008),
which ultimately helps in the formation of microbial
biofilm on its surface (Gilan et al., 2004). Thus, treatment
leading to oxidation of the polymer can be effectively used
as a pretreatment strategy before subjecting it to
biodegradation. An increase in the biodegradation of
polyethylene was observed with an increase in the time of
exposure to UV (Hadad et al., 2005). In earlier
investigation, various microorganisms, including bacteria,
have been reported to be able to consume PET plastics,
Bacillus cereus SEHDO3 and Agromyces mediolanus PNP3
(Patricia Torena et al., 2020), Vibrop alginolyticus,
Pseudoalteromonas caenipelagi, Microbulbifer pacificus,
Pseudomonas marincola and Bacillus subtilis. The ability
of these bacteria to biodegrade plastics represents an
opportunity to effectively remove persistent pollutants from
the environment (Aqil Azizi et al.,2024). The current study
investigated the biodegradation of pre-treated PET
microplastics by bacteria. PET plastics and examined the
biodegradation of PETMPs using GC-MS and FTIR.
MATRIALS AND METHODS
Bacterial isolation and identification
The old PET waste bottle was collected from the waste
dumping site (St. Joseph University, Dimapur Nagaland,
India). The waste bottle was cut into small pieces and
washed properly with distilled water and let it to dry. It was
then directly inoculated in Nutrient Broth and incubated at
37˚C for 24 hours allowing for the bacterial growth. After
24 hours of incubation the bacteria were isolated and
cultured separately using slant culture method. One
bacterium was isolated and one has been selected for
further study and 16srRNA sequences were analyzed.
Bacterial Gene sequences were submitted in NCBI to
analyze pair wise similarity and receive accession number
(MK128437).
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastic (PET MP)
sample preparation
PET plastic bottles were purchased and cut into small
flakes. It was further crushed to make microplastics,
thereafter it was exposed to UV light (Laminar Airflow
chamber UV light) to yield UV-PETMPs(UV ray exposed
PET Microplastics)for 15 days and also exposed sunlight
for 15 days SL-PETMP (PETMP Placed open place for
sunlight exposed).Pre-treated (UV-PETMP and SL-
PETMP) and control PET powder (Un pre-treated (UT-
PETMP) sample inoculate with Bacillus subtilis in the
Minimal salt media (MSM: Minimal Salts media was
prepared by dissolving 1.73g K2HPO4, 0.1g MgSO4.2H2O,
4g NaCl, 0.03 FeSO4.7H2O, 1g KNO3, 0.02g CaCl2.H2O in
1000ml of distilled water). The whole culture media was
incubated for a period of six month at a temperature of
37˚C. End the experiment the supernatant of MSM were
subjected by GCMS and PET microplastics were subjected
by FTIR.
FTIR analysis
Chemical changes occurring on the surface of the PET were
analysed using FTIR spectrophotometer Fourier transform
infrared (FTIR). Measurements were carried out with the
Perkin Elmer Spectrum two (version 10.03.09) in the range
of 4000-400 cm-1. FTIR spectra were recorded at a
resolution of 2cm-1 and at an accumulation of 32 scans.
GC-MC analysis
After six-month incubation, the supernatant of MSM
medium subject to analysis GC-MS. GC-MS analysis was
carried out using GC-MS (QP2010 PLUS Shimadzu,
Japan). The column oven temperature was 60.0˚C and
injection temperature was 260˚C. A pressure of 73.3 kPa
was maintained with a total flow of 16.3 mL/min and a
column flow of 1.21 mL/min. The linear velocity was 40.1
cm/sec, purge flow of 3.0 mL /min and a split ratio of 10.0.
The GC program ion source temperature was 230.00˚C,
interface temperature 270.00˚C with a solvent cut time of
3.50 min. The MS program start time was 4.00 min and
ended at 44.00 min. the event time was 0.20 sec at a scan
speed of 1666μl/sec. Mass spectra were recorded and the
range was m/z 30-500 amu. The total running time was 40
minutes. Identification of components: The National
Institute of Standard and Technology's (NIST) database and
WILEY 8 were used to interpret the mass spectrum of the
GC-MS. The name, structure and molecular weight of the
components present were ascertained. The percentage of
each compound present was calculated by comparing the
individual peak area to the total area.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
FTIR analysis showed the change in spectra between the
control and treated sample at different wavelengths. The
Peak value and Functional groups as showed in the table
(Table-1,2). Some new peak was detected in the bacterial
treated UV PET-MP. C=O Stretching of the alkyl aryl ether
group were observed as peak at 2582 cm-1, 2388 cm-1, 2285
cm-1, 2117 cm-1, 1721 cm-1. C=C bending of the alkene
group were all shown by the peaks at 1579 cm-1 and 1506
cm-1. C-H stretching in the alkene groups was responsible
for the peaks at 1408 cm-1, 1342 cm-1 and 1020 cm-1.
Moreover, new speaks was detected in the sun light treated
and Bacterial inoculated PETMPs. C=O stretching of alkyl
was observed as peaks at 2520 cm-1, 1959 cm-1,1715 cm-1
and 1507 cm-1 (C-C) in Sun light-PETMPs. (Figure1,
Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Table-1)
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 99
Figure 1. FTIR spectroscopy of Control PET MP.SJU-CPET1Pw-
Name Description
4000 4003500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
cm-1
%T
1644.01cm-1 1383.95cm-12026.10cm-1
1956.23cm-1
1459.06cm-1
2391.20cm-1 1272.38cm-1
1118.92cm-1
2852.47cm-1
730.19cm-1
Figure 2. FTIR control with bacterial treated.
SJU-Control-
Name Description
4000 4003500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
cm-1
%T
3435.81cm-1
1384.04cm-1
2925.71cm-1
1638.02cm-1
1035.79cm-1
1092.34cm-1 621.21cm-1
2856.98cm-1
3739.00cm-1
1450.30cm-12370.58cm-13800.77cm-1
3852.15cm-1
2340.89cm-1
832.81cm-1
871.11cm-1
1270.97cm-1
2027.04cm-1
2081.46cm-12426.78cm-1
www.ijzab.com 99
Figure 1. FTIR spectroscopy of Control PET MP.SJU-CPET1Pw-
Name Description
4000 4003500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
cm-1
%T
1644.01cm-1 1383.95cm-12026.10cm-1
1956.23cm-1
1459.06cm-1
2391.20cm-1 1272.38cm-1
1118.92cm-1
2852.47cm-1
730.19cm-1
Figure 2. FTIR control with bacterial treated.
SJU-Control-
Name Description
4000 4003500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
cm-1
%T
3435.81cm-1
1384.04cm-1
2925.71cm-1
1638.02cm-1
1035.79cm-1
1092.34cm-1 621.21cm-1
2856.98cm-1
3739.00cm-1
1450.30cm-12370.58cm-13800.77cm-1
3852.15cm-1
2340.89cm-1
832.81cm-1
871.11cm-1
1270.97cm-1
2027.04cm-1
2081.46cm-12426.78cm-1
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 100SJU-PET1PwSL-
Name Description
4000 4003500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
cm-1
%T
1384.32cm-1
3431.30cm-1 1270.97cm-1
1100.28cm-1
1017.68cm-1
1670.17cm-1
1632.16cm-1
1717.89cm-1 725.24cm-1
1612.49cm-1
1452.50cm-1
1439.99cm-1
1579.42cm-1
872.94cm-11173.03cm-1
2962.80cm-1 840.11cm-11505.18cm-1
2922.11cm-1
630.95cm-12025.99cm-1
792.75cm-1 573.19cm-1
504.48cm-1
433.17cm-1
1955.29cm-1
2426.50cm-1 2094.80cm-1
2 5 5 7 . 2 1 c m - 1
2284.52cm-1
Figure 3. FTIR Spectroscopy of B.Subtillis treated SL-PETMPs.SJU-PET1PwUV-
Name Description
4000 4003500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
cm-1
%T
3429.37cm-1
1384.32cm-1
1271.25cm-1
1631.48cm-1
1609.78cm-1
2025.95cm-1 1406.20cm-1
1019.96cm-1
1437.11cm-12925.14cm-1
2960.90cm-1 1109.21cm-1
2854.90cm-1
618.24cm-1
724.22cm-1
573.05cm-1
677.60cm-1
954.11cm-1
780.91cm-1
839.99cm-12426.49cm-1
873.66cm-1
Figure 4. FTIR spectroscopy of B.Subtillis treated UV- PET MPS.
www.ijzab.com 100SJU-PET1PwSL-
Name Description
4000 4003500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
cm-1
%T
1384.32cm-1
3431.30cm-1 1270.97cm-1
1100.28cm-1
1017.68cm-1
1670.17cm-1
1632.16cm-1
1717.89cm-1 725.24cm-1
1612.49cm-1
1452.50cm-1
1439.99cm-1
1579.42cm-1
872.94cm-11173.03cm-1
2962.80cm-1 840.11cm-11505.18cm-1
2922.11cm-1
630.95cm-12025.99cm-1
792.75cm-1 573.19cm-1
504.48cm-1
433.17cm-1
1955.29cm-1
2426.50cm-1 2094.80cm-1
2 5 5 7 . 2 1 c m - 1
2284.52cm-1
Figure 3. FTIR Spectroscopy of B.Subtillis treated SL-PETMPs.SJU-PET1PwUV-
Name Description
4000 4003500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
cm-1
%T
3429.37cm-1
1384.32cm-1
1271.25cm-1
1631.48cm-1
1609.78cm-1
2025.95cm-1 1406.20cm-1
1019.96cm-1
1437.11cm-12925.14cm-1
2960.90cm-1 1109.21cm-1
2854.90cm-1
618.24cm-1
724.22cm-1
573.05cm-1
677.60cm-1
954.11cm-1
780.91cm-1
839.99cm-12426.49cm-1
873.66cm-1
Figure 4. FTIR spectroscopy of B.Subtillis treated UV- PET MPS.
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 101
Table 1. FTIR Analysis of PET plastics.
Control
PET MPs
Functional
group
Bacillus
subtilis +
PET MPs
Functional
group
Bacillus
subtilis +
UV - PET
MPs
Functional
group
Bacillus
subtilis +
SUN-
PETMPs
Functional
group
3800.77 O-H 3431.97 O-H 3430.40 O-H 3854.46 O-H
3739.00 O-H 3060.53 C-H 3063.11 C-H 3808.72 O-H
3852.15 O-H 2963.57 C-H 2962.17 C-H 3746.10 O-H
3435.81 O-H 2909.03 C-H 2918.34 C-H 3434.59 O-H
2925.71 C-H 2532.59 C=O 2582.72 C=O 2923.85 C-H
2856.98 C-H 2374.35 C=O 2388.96 C=O 2857. 84 C-H
2426.78 C=O 2283.40 C=O 2285.09 C=O 2520.77 C=O
2370.58 C=O 2109.15 C=O 2117.55 C=O 2424.02 C=O
2340.89 C=O 1955.97 C=O 1958.20 C=O 2310.68 C=O
2081.46 C=O 1724.21 C=O 1721.99 C=O 2101.60 C=O
2027.04 C=O 1579.07 C-C 1579.18 C-C 1958.97 C=O
1638.02 C=C 1505.63 C-C 1506.13 C-C 1715.92 C=O
1450.30 C-H 1408.19 C-H 1454.02 C-H 1642.12 C=C
1384.04 C-H 1383.89 C-H 1408.30 C-H 1507.50 CC
1270.97 (C=O)-O 1287.47 (C=O)-O 1383.82 C-H 1450.18 C-H
1092.34 C-C-O 1116.06 C=O 1342.12 C-H 1342.91 C-H
1035.79 C-H 1021.18 C-H 1263.06 (C=O)-O 1 246.16 C-C-O
871.11 C-H 875.36 C-H 1099.48 C-C-O 1097.66 C-C-O
832.81 C-H 727.93 C-H 1022.48 C-H 1021.26 C-H
874.25 C-H 873.92 C-H
797.77 C-H 791.37 C-H
727.03 C-H 725.37 C-H
GC-MS had been used in the present study; this approach
initially aimed to identify very volatile compound form
MSM medium (UT-PETMP,SL-PETMP, UVPETMP),
GCMS analysis for control PET microplastics, Octadecane
(RT: 10.78),1-Dodecanol (12.44) , Spiro[cyclopentane-
1,2'(1'h)-quinoxaline],(RT : 13.67), Diethyl Phthalate (RT:
15.02 ), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (RT: 18.59), 9,12-
Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (RT:20.22),
Methyl stearate (RT:20.51), Hexadecanoic acid, 1-[[[(2-
aminoethoxy)hydroxyphosphinyl (RT: 21.63), cis-13-
Eicosenoic acid, methyl ester ( RT :22.06),
Eeicosanoicacid,methylester ( RT: 22.28), cis-9-
Hexadecenal (RT: 22.94), Oleoyl chloride (RT: 23.12), 9-
Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, oxiranylmethyl ester (RT: 23.51),
13-Docosenoic acid, methyl ester (RT: 23.71), 1-
Cyclohexyldimethylsilyloxybutane (RT: 24.84),9-
Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, oxiranylmethyl ester ( 25.08), Cis-
15-tetracosensaeure, methylester (RT: 25.24), 3-Acetoxy-
12-ursanol ( RT: 25.79), 13-Docosenamide (RT : 25.84),
cis-13-Docosenoyl chloride (RT:26.17), Glycidyl (Z)-9-
nonadecenoate (RT :26.54), Verrucarol (RT:27.51),
Stigmast-5-en-3-ol, oleat (RT: 28.19), Methyl 9-
(acetyloxy)-3,6b,10,10,12a,12b,14a-he (RT : 28.62),(Table-
2).
Due to the action of bacterial in the UV pre-treated PET
MPs plastic in 250 ml of flask of MSM medium, PET
powders were degraded into various by products. GCMS
analysis of these byproducts revealed some compounds.
Dodecane (RT :6.715), DECANE, 2,5,9-TRIMETHYL
(RT:6.89), Heptane, 3,3,5-Trimethyl(RT:7.02), Docosane
(RT :7.29), Acetyl valeryl (RT :7.38), Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-
dimethylethyl)-(RT :7.466), Decane, 3-ethyl-3-methyl (RT
:7.60), Dodecane, 4,6-dimethyl-(RT:7.78),Pentadecane (RT
:9.12), Tetradecane(RT :9.51), Decanedioic acid, didecyl
ester (RT : 9.71), Undecane, 4,4-dimethyl(RT :10.32),
Octadecane (RT :10.64), 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (RT :
11.02), 1-iodotetradecane (RT:11.21), 1R,2S,4R)-P-
MENTH-8-ENE-2-OL (RT :11.57), 1,2-
Benzenedicarboxylic acid, Diethyl ester (RT :11.98),
Heptadecane (RT :12.01), 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-
methylpropyl aceta (RT :12.88), 2-penten-1-ol, 2-methyl-5-
(2-methyl-3-methyl (RT :13.05), Sulfurous acid, hexyl
octyl ester (RT:13.10),nonane,5-methyl-5-propyl(RT
:13.15), Methanone, (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)phenyl (RT
:13.31), decanoic acid, 8-methyl-, methyl ester (RT :13.45),
2-penten-1-ol, 5-(2,3-dimethyltricyclo (RT :13.53),
Pentadecane (RT
:13.94),tetracosane(RT:14.26),Pentadecanal (RT :14.48),
7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
(RT :15.52), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (RT
:15.56),methyl ester of 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydr (RT
:15.66), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl EST (RT
:15.93), 1-(2- hydroxyethoxy)tridecane (RT :16.71), 1-
www.ijzab.com 101
Table 1. FTIR Analysis of PET plastics.
Control
PET MPs
Functional
group
Bacillus
subtilis +
PET MPs
Functional
group
Bacillus
subtilis +
UV - PET
MPs
Functional
group
Bacillus
subtilis +
SUN-
PETMPs
Functional
group
3800.77 O-H 3431.97 O-H 3430.40 O-H 3854.46 O-H
3739.00 O-H 3060.53 C-H 3063.11 C-H 3808.72 O-H
3852.15 O-H 2963.57 C-H 2962.17 C-H 3746.10 O-H
3435.81 O-H 2909.03 C-H 2918.34 C-H 3434.59 O-H
2925.71 C-H 2532.59 C=O 2582.72 C=O 2923.85 C-H
2856.98 C-H 2374.35 C=O 2388.96 C=O 2857. 84 C-H
2426.78 C=O 2283.40 C=O 2285.09 C=O 2520.77 C=O
2370.58 C=O 2109.15 C=O 2117.55 C=O 2424.02 C=O
2340.89 C=O 1955.97 C=O 1958.20 C=O 2310.68 C=O
2081.46 C=O 1724.21 C=O 1721.99 C=O 2101.60 C=O
2027.04 C=O 1579.07 C-C 1579.18 C-C 1958.97 C=O
1638.02 C=C 1505.63 C-C 1506.13 C-C 1715.92 C=O
1450.30 C-H 1408.19 C-H 1454.02 C-H 1642.12 C=C
1384.04 C-H 1383.89 C-H 1408.30 C-H 1507.50 CC
1270.97 (C=O)-O 1287.47 (C=O)-O 1383.82 C-H 1450.18 C-H
1092.34 C-C-O 1116.06 C=O 1342.12 C-H 1342.91 C-H
1035.79 C-H 1021.18 C-H 1263.06 (C=O)-O 1 246.16 C-C-O
871.11 C-H 875.36 C-H 1099.48 C-C-O 1097.66 C-C-O
832.81 C-H 727.93 C-H 1022.48 C-H 1021.26 C-H
874.25 C-H 873.92 C-H
797.77 C-H 791.37 C-H
727.03 C-H 725.37 C-H
GC-MS had been used in the present study; this approach
initially aimed to identify very volatile compound form
MSM medium (UT-PETMP,SL-PETMP, UVPETMP),
GCMS analysis for control PET microplastics, Octadecane
(RT: 10.78),1-Dodecanol (12.44) , Spiro[cyclopentane-
1,2'(1'h)-quinoxaline],(RT : 13.67), Diethyl Phthalate (RT:
15.02 ), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (RT: 18.59), 9,12-
Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (RT:20.22),
Methyl stearate (RT:20.51), Hexadecanoic acid, 1-[[[(2-
aminoethoxy)hydroxyphosphinyl (RT: 21.63), cis-13-
Eicosenoic acid, methyl ester ( RT :22.06),
Eeicosanoicacid,methylester ( RT: 22.28), cis-9-
Hexadecenal (RT: 22.94), Oleoyl chloride (RT: 23.12), 9-
Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, oxiranylmethyl ester (RT: 23.51),
13-Docosenoic acid, methyl ester (RT: 23.71), 1-
Cyclohexyldimethylsilyloxybutane (RT: 24.84),9-
Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, oxiranylmethyl ester ( 25.08), Cis-
15-tetracosensaeure, methylester (RT: 25.24), 3-Acetoxy-
12-ursanol ( RT: 25.79), 13-Docosenamide (RT : 25.84),
cis-13-Docosenoyl chloride (RT:26.17), Glycidyl (Z)-9-
nonadecenoate (RT :26.54), Verrucarol (RT:27.51),
Stigmast-5-en-3-ol, oleat (RT: 28.19), Methyl 9-
(acetyloxy)-3,6b,10,10,12a,12b,14a-he (RT : 28.62),(Table-
2).
Due to the action of bacterial in the UV pre-treated PET
MPs plastic in 250 ml of flask of MSM medium, PET
powders were degraded into various by products. GCMS
analysis of these byproducts revealed some compounds.
Dodecane (RT :6.715), DECANE, 2,5,9-TRIMETHYL
(RT:6.89), Heptane, 3,3,5-Trimethyl(RT:7.02), Docosane
(RT :7.29), Acetyl valeryl (RT :7.38), Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-
dimethylethyl)-(RT :7.466), Decane, 3-ethyl-3-methyl (RT
:7.60), Dodecane, 4,6-dimethyl-(RT:7.78),Pentadecane (RT
:9.12), Tetradecane(RT :9.51), Decanedioic acid, didecyl
ester (RT : 9.71), Undecane, 4,4-dimethyl(RT :10.32),
Octadecane (RT :10.64), 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (RT :
11.02), 1-iodotetradecane (RT:11.21), 1R,2S,4R)-P-
MENTH-8-ENE-2-OL (RT :11.57), 1,2-
Benzenedicarboxylic acid, Diethyl ester (RT :11.98),
Heptadecane (RT :12.01), 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-
methylpropyl aceta (RT :12.88), 2-penten-1-ol, 2-methyl-5-
(2-methyl-3-methyl (RT :13.05), Sulfurous acid, hexyl
octyl ester (RT:13.10),nonane,5-methyl-5-propyl(RT
:13.15), Methanone, (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)phenyl (RT
:13.31), decanoic acid, 8-methyl-, methyl ester (RT :13.45),
2-penten-1-ol, 5-(2,3-dimethyltricyclo (RT :13.53),
Pentadecane (RT
:13.94),tetracosane(RT:14.26),Pentadecanal (RT :14.48),
7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
(RT :15.52), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (RT
:15.56),methyl ester of 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydr (RT
:15.66), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl EST (RT
:15.93), 1-(2- hydroxyethoxy)tridecane (RT :16.71), 1-
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 102
octadecene (RT :17.17), methyl stearate(RT :17.49), Oxalic
acid, dineopentyl ester (RT :18.13), Nonane, 5-methyl-5-
propyl (RT :18.61), Myristic acid glycidyl ester (RT
:19.01), Methyl-2,2-dibutyl butyrate (RT :19.25), 1H,5H-
cyclopropa[g][1,2,4]triazolo[1,2-a]cinno (RT :19.29), 1H-
indole-3-ethanamine (RT :20.45), Pregnane, silane deriv
(RT :20.60), Glycidyl palmitate(RT:20.68),
Cyclohexaneacetic acid(RT:21.99), Nonadecanoic acid,
benzyldimethylsilyl ester (RT :22.14), Cyclohexan, 1,2-
bis(hydroxymethyl) (RT : 22.92). (Table-3: Plate-1). Due to
the action of bacterial of the Sun light treated PETMPs in
250 ml of flask of MSM medium, Sun light treated PET
powders was degraded into various by products. 3-
Dodecen-1-Al, Diethyl Phthalate, 1-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-2-
Methylpropylacetate, 1, 6-methanonaphthalen-1(2h)-ol,
octahydro, Nonanamide, 2-Acetonaphthone,5,6,7,8-
Tetrahydro-1,3,5, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Dibutyl
phthalate,7-Tetradecenal,9-Octadecen-1-ol,1-Nonadecene,
9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z),Meethyl ester, Methyl
stearate, Hexadecanamide, 9-Octadecenal, 2-Isopropyl-10-
methylphenanthrene, cis-1,2- Cyclododecanediol,cis-13-
eicosenoic acid,methyl ester,9-Octadecenamide, E,E,Z-
1,3,12-Nonadecatriene-5,14-diol, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-,
oxiranylmethyl ester, 13-Docosenoic acid (Z)-,
oxiranylmethyl ester, 13- Docosenoic acid,methyl
ester,Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, 1-cis-
vaccenoylglycerol,1-Cyclohexyldimethylsilyloxybutane,
1,2,3- Trisilacyclohexane,15- Tetracosenoic acid,methyl
ester, (Z)-9-octadecen-4-olide, 13- Docosenamide, cis-13-
Docosenoyl chloride, ethyl 7-oh-me-octanoate,Glycidyl(Z)-
9nonadecenoate, Campesterol,
Dihydromyrcenol,trimethylsilyl esther, Stigmast-5-en-3- ol,
(3 BETA). Stigmasta-3,5-diene.
Table 2. GC-MS noticed a compound from untreated PETMP and Bacillus subtilis inoculated media.
S.NO R. TIME AREA AREA% NAME
1 10.783 37354 0.50 OCTADECANE
2 12.440 23167 0.31 1-DODECANOL
3 13.676 28775 0.39 SPIRO[CYCLOPENTANE-1,2'(1'H)-QUINOXALINE],3'-(
4 15.024 162598 2.19 DiethylPhthalate
5 18.595 194237 2.61 Hexadecanoicacid,methyl ester
6 20.227 207407 2.79 9,12-Octadecadienoicacid(Z,Z)-,methyl ester
7 20.285 408855 5.50 9-OCTADECENOICACID(Z)-, METHYLESTER
8 20.518 128048 1.72 Methylstearate
9 21.639 45506 0.61 Hexadecanoicacid,1-[[[(2-aminoethoxy)hydroxyphosphinyl
10 22.066 356312 4.79 cis-13-Eicosenoicacid,methylester
11 22.282 57755 0.78 EICOSANOICACID,METHYLESTER
12 22.942 88955 1.20 cis-9-Hexadecenal
13 23.124 99072 1.33 Oleoylchloride
14 23.514 197444 2.65 9-Octadecenoicacid(Z)-,oxiranylmethylester
15 23.716 2137380 28.74 13-Docosenoicacid,methylester, (Z)-
16 23.905 77728 1.05 DOCOSANOICACID,METHYLESTER
17 24.847 394585 5.31 1-Cyclohexyldimethylsilyloxybutane
18 25.086 107312 1.44 9-Octadecenoicacid(Z)-,oxiranylmethylester
19 25.245 108742 1.46 CIS-15 TETRACOSENSAEURE,METHYLESTER
20 25.709 107802 1.45 3-Acetoxy-12-ursanol
21 25.854 203144 2.73 13-Docosenamide,(Z)-
22 26.179 848690 11.41 cis-13-Docosenoylchloride
23 26.548 923833 12.42 Glycidyl(Z)-9-nonadecenoate
24 27.513 61601 0.83 Verrucarol
25 28.191 128671 1.73 STIGMAST-5-EN-3-OL,OLEAT
26 28.620 301929 4.06 METHYL9-(ACETYLOXY)-3,6B,10,10,12A,12B,14A-HE
7436902 100.00
www.ijzab.com 102
octadecene (RT :17.17), methyl stearate(RT :17.49), Oxalic
acid, dineopentyl ester (RT :18.13), Nonane, 5-methyl-5-
propyl (RT :18.61), Myristic acid glycidyl ester (RT
:19.01), Methyl-2,2-dibutyl butyrate (RT :19.25), 1H,5H-
cyclopropa[g][1,2,4]triazolo[1,2-a]cinno (RT :19.29), 1H-
indole-3-ethanamine (RT :20.45), Pregnane, silane deriv
(RT :20.60), Glycidyl palmitate(RT:20.68),
Cyclohexaneacetic acid(RT:21.99), Nonadecanoic acid,
benzyldimethylsilyl ester (RT :22.14), Cyclohexan, 1,2-
bis(hydroxymethyl) (RT : 22.92). (Table-3: Plate-1). Due to
the action of bacterial of the Sun light treated PETMPs in
250 ml of flask of MSM medium, Sun light treated PET
powders was degraded into various by products. 3-
Dodecen-1-Al, Diethyl Phthalate, 1-(4-Isopropylphenyl)-2-
Methylpropylacetate, 1, 6-methanonaphthalen-1(2h)-ol,
octahydro, Nonanamide, 2-Acetonaphthone,5,6,7,8-
Tetrahydro-1,3,5, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Dibutyl
phthalate,7-Tetradecenal,9-Octadecen-1-ol,1-Nonadecene,
9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z),Meethyl ester, Methyl
stearate, Hexadecanamide, 9-Octadecenal, 2-Isopropyl-10-
methylphenanthrene, cis-1,2- Cyclododecanediol,cis-13-
eicosenoic acid,methyl ester,9-Octadecenamide, E,E,Z-
1,3,12-Nonadecatriene-5,14-diol, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-,
oxiranylmethyl ester, 13-Docosenoic acid (Z)-,
oxiranylmethyl ester, 13- Docosenoic acid,methyl
ester,Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, 1-cis-
vaccenoylglycerol,1-Cyclohexyldimethylsilyloxybutane,
1,2,3- Trisilacyclohexane,15- Tetracosenoic acid,methyl
ester, (Z)-9-octadecen-4-olide, 13- Docosenamide, cis-13-
Docosenoyl chloride, ethyl 7-oh-me-octanoate,Glycidyl(Z)-
9nonadecenoate, Campesterol,
Dihydromyrcenol,trimethylsilyl esther, Stigmast-5-en-3- ol,
(3 BETA). Stigmasta-3,5-diene.
Table 2. GC-MS noticed a compound from untreated PETMP and Bacillus subtilis inoculated media.
S.NO R. TIME AREA AREA% NAME
1 10.783 37354 0.50 OCTADECANE
2 12.440 23167 0.31 1-DODECANOL
3 13.676 28775 0.39 SPIRO[CYCLOPENTANE-1,2'(1'H)-QUINOXALINE],3'-(
4 15.024 162598 2.19 DiethylPhthalate
5 18.595 194237 2.61 Hexadecanoicacid,methyl ester
6 20.227 207407 2.79 9,12-Octadecadienoicacid(Z,Z)-,methyl ester
7 20.285 408855 5.50 9-OCTADECENOICACID(Z)-, METHYLESTER
8 20.518 128048 1.72 Methylstearate
9 21.639 45506 0.61 Hexadecanoicacid,1-[[[(2-aminoethoxy)hydroxyphosphinyl
10 22.066 356312 4.79 cis-13-Eicosenoicacid,methylester
11 22.282 57755 0.78 EICOSANOICACID,METHYLESTER
12 22.942 88955 1.20 cis-9-Hexadecenal
13 23.124 99072 1.33 Oleoylchloride
14 23.514 197444 2.65 9-Octadecenoicacid(Z)-,oxiranylmethylester
15 23.716 2137380 28.74 13-Docosenoicacid,methylester, (Z)-
16 23.905 77728 1.05 DOCOSANOICACID,METHYLESTER
17 24.847 394585 5.31 1-Cyclohexyldimethylsilyloxybutane
18 25.086 107312 1.44 9-Octadecenoicacid(Z)-,oxiranylmethylester
19 25.245 108742 1.46 CIS-15 TETRACOSENSAEURE,METHYLESTER
20 25.709 107802 1.45 3-Acetoxy-12-ursanol
21 25.854 203144 2.73 13-Docosenamide,(Z)-
22 26.179 848690 11.41 cis-13-Docosenoylchloride
23 26.548 923833 12.42 Glycidyl(Z)-9-nonadecenoate
24 27.513 61601 0.83 Verrucarol
25 28.191 128671 1.73 STIGMAST-5-EN-3-OL,OLEAT
26 28.620 301929 4.06 METHYL9-(ACETYLOXY)-3,6B,10,10,12A,12B,14A-HE
7436902 100.00
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 103
Table 3. GC-MS noticed a compound from PET plastic (SL-PETMP) inoculated media.
Peak R. Time Area Area% Name
1 6.715 382757 7.52 DODECANE
2 6.895 24041 0.47 DECANE, 2,5,9-TRIMETHYL-
3 7.023 25965 0.51 HEPTANE, 3,3,5-TRIMETHYL-
4 7.297 22498 0.44 DOCOSANE
5 7.381 14989 0.29 Acetyl valeryl
6 7.466 151879 2.98 Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
7 7.603 53045 1.04 Decane, 3-ethyl-3-methyl-
8 7.787 128760 2.53 DODECANE, 4,6-DIMETHYL-
9 8.441 29777 0.58 HEPTANE, 3,3-DIMETHYL-
10 9.120 27233 0.53 PENTADECANE
11 9.517 398119 7.82 TETRADECANE
12 9.712 70019 1.38 DECANEDIOIC ACID, DIDECYL ESTER
13 10.326 21858 0.43 UNDECANE, 4,4-DIMETHYL-
14 10.590 40076 0.79 OCTADECANE
15 10.646 124697 2.45 OCTADECANE
16 11.021 1343413 26.39 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol
17 11.212 27788 0.55 1-IODOTETRADECANE
18 11.575 77116 1.51 (1R,2S,4R)-P-MENTH-8-ENE-2-OL
19 11.985 130870 2.57 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIETHYL ESTER
20 12.019 158530 3.11 Heptadecane
21 12.881 50418 0.99 1-(4-ISOPROPYLPHENYL)-2-METHYLPROPYL ACETAT
22 13.050 47126 0.93 2-PENTEN-1-OL, 2-METHYL-5-(2-METHYL-3-METHYL
23 13.101 24672 0.48 Sulfurous acid, hexyl octyl ester
24 13.156 59962 1.18 NONANE, 5-METHYL-5-PROPYL-
25 13.310 47647 0.94 Methanone, (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)phenyl-
26 13.455 31859 0.63 DECANOIC ACID, 8-METHYL-, METHYL ESTER
27 13.530 51300 1.01 2-PENTEN-1-OL, 5-(2,3-DIMETHYLTRICYCLO[2.2.1.0(2
28 13.948 40226 0.79 PENTADECANE
29 14.260 100269 1.97 TETRACOSANE
30 14.482 11660 0.23 PENTADECANAL
31 14.631 12092 0.24 DOCOSANE
32 15.390 10666 0.21 NONANE, 5-METHYL-5-PROPYL-
33 15.473 66586 1.31 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
34 15.523 75779 1.49 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
35 15.568 312829 6.14 Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester
36 15.664 20615 0.40 METHYL ESTER OF 3-(3,5-DI-TERT-BUTYL-4-HYDROX
37 15.827 51495 1.01 (2R)-N-[3'-(METHOXYCARBONYL)PROPIONYL]BORN
38 15.935 115702 2.27 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIBUTYL ESTER
39 16.287 41557 0.82 DOCOSANE
40 16.714 12074 0.24 1-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)TRIDECANE
41 17.172 34202 0.67 1-OCTADECENE
42 17.416 13159 0.26 Sulfurous acid, 2-ethylhexyl hexyl ester
43 17.490 182690 3.59 Methyl stearate
44 18.130 6620 0.13 Oxalic acid, dineopentyl ester
45 18.611 18430 0.36 Nonane, 5-methyl-5-propyl-
46 19.011 53894 1.06 Myristic acid glycidyl ester
47 19.253 5209 0.10 METHYL-2,2-DIBUTYL BUTYRATE
48 19.298 5412 0.11 1H,5H-CYCLOPROPA[G][1,2,4]TRIAZOLO[1,2-A]CINNO
www.ijzab.com 103
Table 3. GC-MS noticed a compound from PET plastic (SL-PETMP) inoculated media.
Peak R. Time Area Area% Name
1 6.715 382757 7.52 DODECANE
2 6.895 24041 0.47 DECANE, 2,5,9-TRIMETHYL-
3 7.023 25965 0.51 HEPTANE, 3,3,5-TRIMETHYL-
4 7.297 22498 0.44 DOCOSANE
5 7.381 14989 0.29 Acetyl valeryl
6 7.466 151879 2.98 Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
7 7.603 53045 1.04 Decane, 3-ethyl-3-methyl-
8 7.787 128760 2.53 DODECANE, 4,6-DIMETHYL-
9 8.441 29777 0.58 HEPTANE, 3,3-DIMETHYL-
10 9.120 27233 0.53 PENTADECANE
11 9.517 398119 7.82 TETRADECANE
12 9.712 70019 1.38 DECANEDIOIC ACID, DIDECYL ESTER
13 10.326 21858 0.43 UNDECANE, 4,4-DIMETHYL-
14 10.590 40076 0.79 OCTADECANE
15 10.646 124697 2.45 OCTADECANE
16 11.021 1343413 26.39 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol
17 11.212 27788 0.55 1-IODOTETRADECANE
18 11.575 77116 1.51 (1R,2S,4R)-P-MENTH-8-ENE-2-OL
19 11.985 130870 2.57 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIETHYL ESTER
20 12.019 158530 3.11 Heptadecane
21 12.881 50418 0.99 1-(4-ISOPROPYLPHENYL)-2-METHYLPROPYL ACETAT
22 13.050 47126 0.93 2-PENTEN-1-OL, 2-METHYL-5-(2-METHYL-3-METHYL
23 13.101 24672 0.48 Sulfurous acid, hexyl octyl ester
24 13.156 59962 1.18 NONANE, 5-METHYL-5-PROPYL-
25 13.310 47647 0.94 Methanone, (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)phenyl-
26 13.455 31859 0.63 DECANOIC ACID, 8-METHYL-, METHYL ESTER
27 13.530 51300 1.01 2-PENTEN-1-OL, 5-(2,3-DIMETHYLTRICYCLO[2.2.1.0(2
28 13.948 40226 0.79 PENTADECANE
29 14.260 100269 1.97 TETRACOSANE
30 14.482 11660 0.23 PENTADECANAL
31 14.631 12092 0.24 DOCOSANE
32 15.390 10666 0.21 NONANE, 5-METHYL-5-PROPYL-
33 15.473 66586 1.31 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
34 15.523 75779 1.49 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
35 15.568 312829 6.14 Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester
36 15.664 20615 0.40 METHYL ESTER OF 3-(3,5-DI-TERT-BUTYL-4-HYDROX
37 15.827 51495 1.01 (2R)-N-[3'-(METHOXYCARBONYL)PROPIONYL]BORN
38 15.935 115702 2.27 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIBUTYL ESTER
39 16.287 41557 0.82 DOCOSANE
40 16.714 12074 0.24 1-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)TRIDECANE
41 17.172 34202 0.67 1-OCTADECENE
42 17.416 13159 0.26 Sulfurous acid, 2-ethylhexyl hexyl ester
43 17.490 182690 3.59 Methyl stearate
44 18.130 6620 0.13 Oxalic acid, dineopentyl ester
45 18.611 18430 0.36 Nonane, 5-methyl-5-propyl-
46 19.011 53894 1.06 Myristic acid glycidyl ester
47 19.253 5209 0.10 METHYL-2,2-DIBUTYL BUTYRATE
48 19.298 5412 0.11 1H,5H-CYCLOPROPA[G][1,2,4]TRIAZOLO[1,2-A]CINNO
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 104
49 20.452 52520 1.03 1H-INDOLE-3-ETHANAMINE
50 20.605 95267 1.87 PREGNANE, SILANE DERIV.
51 20.683 25033 0.49 Glycidyl palmitate
52 20.946 8521 0.17 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIOCTYLESTER
Table 4. GC-MS noticed a compound from the PET plastic Inoculated (UV-PETMPs) media.
Peak R. Time Area Area% Name
1 6.715 382757 7.52 DODECANE
2 6.895 24041 0.47 DECANE, 2,5,9-TRIMETHYL-
3 7.023 25965 0.51 HEPTANE, 3,3,5-TRIMETHYL-
4 7.297 22498 0.44 DOCOSANE
5 7.381 14989 0.29 Acetyl valeryl
6 7.466 151879 2.98 Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
7 7.603 53045 1.04 Decane, 3-ethyl-3-methyl-
8 7.787 128760 2.53 DODECANE, 4,6-DIMETHYL-
9 8.441 29777 0.58 HEPTANE, 3,3-DIMETHYL-
10 9.120 27233 0.53 PENTADECANE
11 9.517 398119 7.82 TETRADECANE
12 9.712 70019 1.38 DECANEDIOIC ACID, DIDECYL ESTER
13 10.326 21858 0.43 UNDECANE, 4,4-DIMETHYL-
14 10.590 40076 0.79 OCTADECANE
15 10.646 124697 2.45 OCTADECANE
16 11.021 1343413 26.39 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol
17 11.212 27788 0.55 1-IODOTETRADECANE
18 11.575 77116 1.51 (1R,2S,4R)-P-MENTH-8-ENE-2-OL
19 11.985 130870 2.57 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIETHYL ESTER
20 12.019 158530 3.11 Heptadecane
21 12.881 50418 0.99 1-(4-ISOPROPYLPHENYL)-2-METHYLPROPYL ACETAT
22 13.050 47126 0.93 2-PENTEN-1-OL, 2-METHYL-5-(2-METHYL-3-METHYL
23 13.101 24672 0.48 Sulfurous acid, hexyl octyl ester
24 13.156 59962 1.18 NONANE, 5-METHYL-5-PROPYL-
25 13.310 47647 0.94 Methanone, (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)phenyl-
26 13.455 31859 0.63 DECANOIC ACID, 8-METHYL-, METHYL ESTER
27 13.530 51300 1.01 2-PENTEN-1-OL, 5-(2,3-DIMETHYLTRICYCLO[2.2.1.0(2
28 13.948 40226 0.79 PENTADECANE
29 14.260 100269 1.97 TETRACOSANE
30 14.482 11660 0.23 PENTADECANAL
31 14.631 12092 0.24 DOCOSANE
32 15.390 10666 0.21 NONANE, 5-METHYL-5-PROPYL-
33 15.473 66586 1.31 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
34 15.523 75779 1.49 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
35 15.568 312829 6.14 Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester
36 15.664 20615 0.40 METHYL ESTER OF 3-(3,5-DI-TERT-BUTYL-4-HYDROX
37 15.827 51495 1.01 (2R)-N-[3'-(METHOXYCARBONYL)PROPIONYL]BORN
38 15.935 115702 2.27 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIBUTYL ESTER
39 16.287 41557 0.82 DOCOSANE
40 16.714 12074 0.24 1-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)TRIDECANE
41 17.172 34202 0.67 1-OCTADECENE
www.ijzab.com 104
49 20.452 52520 1.03 1H-INDOLE-3-ETHANAMINE
50 20.605 95267 1.87 PREGNANE, SILANE DERIV.
51 20.683 25033 0.49 Glycidyl palmitate
52 20.946 8521 0.17 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIOCTYLESTER
Table 4. GC-MS noticed a compound from the PET plastic Inoculated (UV-PETMPs) media.
Peak R. Time Area Area% Name
1 6.715 382757 7.52 DODECANE
2 6.895 24041 0.47 DECANE, 2,5,9-TRIMETHYL-
3 7.023 25965 0.51 HEPTANE, 3,3,5-TRIMETHYL-
4 7.297 22498 0.44 DOCOSANE
5 7.381 14989 0.29 Acetyl valeryl
6 7.466 151879 2.98 Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
7 7.603 53045 1.04 Decane, 3-ethyl-3-methyl-
8 7.787 128760 2.53 DODECANE, 4,6-DIMETHYL-
9 8.441 29777 0.58 HEPTANE, 3,3-DIMETHYL-
10 9.120 27233 0.53 PENTADECANE
11 9.517 398119 7.82 TETRADECANE
12 9.712 70019 1.38 DECANEDIOIC ACID, DIDECYL ESTER
13 10.326 21858 0.43 UNDECANE, 4,4-DIMETHYL-
14 10.590 40076 0.79 OCTADECANE
15 10.646 124697 2.45 OCTADECANE
16 11.021 1343413 26.39 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol
17 11.212 27788 0.55 1-IODOTETRADECANE
18 11.575 77116 1.51 (1R,2S,4R)-P-MENTH-8-ENE-2-OL
19 11.985 130870 2.57 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIETHYL ESTER
20 12.019 158530 3.11 Heptadecane
21 12.881 50418 0.99 1-(4-ISOPROPYLPHENYL)-2-METHYLPROPYL ACETAT
22 13.050 47126 0.93 2-PENTEN-1-OL, 2-METHYL-5-(2-METHYL-3-METHYL
23 13.101 24672 0.48 Sulfurous acid, hexyl octyl ester
24 13.156 59962 1.18 NONANE, 5-METHYL-5-PROPYL-
25 13.310 47647 0.94 Methanone, (1-hydroxycyclohexyl)phenyl-
26 13.455 31859 0.63 DECANOIC ACID, 8-METHYL-, METHYL ESTER
27 13.530 51300 1.01 2-PENTEN-1-OL, 5-(2,3-DIMETHYLTRICYCLO[2.2.1.0(2
28 13.948 40226 0.79 PENTADECANE
29 14.260 100269 1.97 TETRACOSANE
30 14.482 11660 0.23 PENTADECANAL
31 14.631 12092 0.24 DOCOSANE
32 15.390 10666 0.21 NONANE, 5-METHYL-5-PROPYL-
33 15.473 66586 1.31 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
34 15.523 75779 1.49 7,9-Di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione
35 15.568 312829 6.14 Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester
36 15.664 20615 0.40 METHYL ESTER OF 3-(3,5-DI-TERT-BUTYL-4-HYDROX
37 15.827 51495 1.01 (2R)-N-[3'-(METHOXYCARBONYL)PROPIONYL]BORN
38 15.935 115702 2.27 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIBUTYL ESTER
39 16.287 41557 0.82 DOCOSANE
40 16.714 12074 0.24 1-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)TRIDECANE
41 17.172 34202 0.67 1-OCTADECENE
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 105
42 17.416 13159 0.26 Sulfurous acid, 2-ethylhexyl hexyl ester
43 17.490 182690 3.59 Methyl stearate
44 18.130 6620 0.13 Oxalic acid, dineopentyl ester
45 18.611 18430 0.36 Nonane, 5-methyl-5-propyl-
46 19.011 53894 1.06 Myristic acid glycidyl ester
47 19.253 5209 0.10 METHYL-2,2-DIBUTYL BUTYRATE
48 19.298 5412 0.11 1H,5H-CYCLOPROPA[G][1,2,4]TRIAZOLO[1,2-A]CINNO
49 20.452 52520 1.03 1H-INDOLE-3-ETHANAMINE
50 20.605 95267 1.87 PREGNANE, SILANE DERIV.
51 20.683 25033 0.49 Glycidyl palmitate
52 20.946 8521 0.17 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIOCTYL ESTER
Plate 1. Chromatogram of PETMPs degradation products due to a) Untreated PETMP + B. subtilis b)UV-PETMPs +
B.subtils c) SLPETMP+ B. subtilis.
The biodegradation of PETMP with Bacillus subtilis was
confirmed after 6 months of incubation through FTIR. The
new peaks formation was observed such as Alkyl aryl ether
group, alkenes group and carboxylic acid in the bacterial
treated PETMP. While studying the degradation of PET
powder in soil Umamaheswari and Murali, reported that by
FTIR, it was confirmed that PET powders were converted
to alkene and methylene groups (Umamaheswari and
Murali, (2023)). This result parallel with previous research,
according to Gupta and Devi., (2020) an increase in the
keto carbonyl bond index, ester carbonyl bond index, and
vinyl bon index of FTIR spectra demonstrated polyethylene
biodegradation (Gupta and Devi., 2020). In present study,
in the chromatogram oxidized hydrocarbons were present,
www.ijzab.com 105
42 17.416 13159 0.26 Sulfurous acid, 2-ethylhexyl hexyl ester
43 17.490 182690 3.59 Methyl stearate
44 18.130 6620 0.13 Oxalic acid, dineopentyl ester
45 18.611 18430 0.36 Nonane, 5-methyl-5-propyl-
46 19.011 53894 1.06 Myristic acid glycidyl ester
47 19.253 5209 0.10 METHYL-2,2-DIBUTYL BUTYRATE
48 19.298 5412 0.11 1H,5H-CYCLOPROPA[G][1,2,4]TRIAZOLO[1,2-A]CINNO
49 20.452 52520 1.03 1H-INDOLE-3-ETHANAMINE
50 20.605 95267 1.87 PREGNANE, SILANE DERIV.
51 20.683 25033 0.49 Glycidyl palmitate
52 20.946 8521 0.17 1,2-BENZENEDICARBOXYLIC ACID, DIOCTYL ESTER
Plate 1. Chromatogram of PETMPs degradation products due to a) Untreated PETMP + B. subtilis b)UV-PETMPs +
B.subtils c) SLPETMP+ B. subtilis.
The biodegradation of PETMP with Bacillus subtilis was
confirmed after 6 months of incubation through FTIR. The
new peaks formation was observed such as Alkyl aryl ether
group, alkenes group and carboxylic acid in the bacterial
treated PETMP. While studying the degradation of PET
powder in soil Umamaheswari and Murali, reported that by
FTIR, it was confirmed that PET powders were converted
to alkene and methylene groups (Umamaheswari and
Murali, (2023)). This result parallel with previous research,
according to Gupta and Devi., (2020) an increase in the
keto carbonyl bond index, ester carbonyl bond index, and
vinyl bon index of FTIR spectra demonstrated polyethylene
biodegradation (Gupta and Devi., 2020). In present study,
in the chromatogram oxidized hydrocarbons were present,
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 106
such as Dodecane, Docosane, Decane, Dodecane, 4,6-
dimethyl, Pentadecane, Tetradecane, Decanedioic acid,
didecyl ester, Undecane, 4,4-dimethyl, Octadecane, 1-
iodotetradecane, Heptadecane, tetracosane and
Pentadecanal. These findings were well supported by the
work of Kyaw et al., (2012), who have reported that 18
different biodegraded products were identified from the
polythene such as benzene, methyl, tetrachloroethylene,
benzene,1,3-dimethyl, octadecane,7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-
oxaspiro(4,5) deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione, hexadecanoic acid,
ethyl ester, eicosane, octadenoic acid,docosane,3-
chloropropionic acid, heptadecyl ester, tricosane,
octadecanoic aid, butyl ester,1-
nonadecene,tetracosane,pentacosane,1,2-
benxendicarboxylic acid, di-iso-ostyl ester, and
hexacosane. Shahnawz et al., also reported the major by
products in the PEDP in the culture supernatant of
L.fusiformis strin VASB14/WL (1,2,3,4 tetra methyl
benzene) and B.cereusstrain VASB1/TS (1,2,3 trimethyl
benzene,1ethyl 3,5-dimethyl benzene, 1,4 di methyl 2 ethyl
benzene, and dibutyl phthalate) (Shahnawaz et al.,
2016).Pramila and Ramesh used A.baumannii for
degradation of polyethylene (LDPE) and with GCMS
analysis recorded 2-butene,2-methyl,acetone,and ethane
(Pramila et al.,2011). Mahalakshmi et al., who have
analysed PEDP in culture supernatant extracted with
distilled ether produced due to the action of Bacillus and
Pseudomonas using GC-MS and reported octadecadienoic
acid, octadecatrienoic acid, benzene dicarboxylic acid, and
cyclopropanebutanoic acids as the main by products
(Mahalakshmi et al.,2012).
According to the GC-MS study, plastic is broken down
into a number of new molecules that lead to a pathway that
produces enough energy to support bacterial growth
(Shakir Ali et al., 2023). Pseudomonas sp. SH5B produces,
Fluoren-9-ol, 3,6-dimethoxy-9-(2,
Tris(tertbutyldimethylsilyloxy), 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic
acid, 3TMS, 7HDibenzo(a,g)carbazole, 3-
Hydroxymandelic acid, 3TMS der, 2,6- Dihydroxybenzoic
acid (Fig. 4), 3TMS, 1,3,5-Benzetriol, 3TMS derivative,
1,3,5,7,9-Pentaethylcyclopentasi, Tetrasiloxane, 1,7- dially
octadecyl, Benzo[h]quinoline, 2,4-dimethyl-, and 2,4-
Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 2TMS. At the same time arsenous
acid, Tris(trimethylsilyl, Tris(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy),
2,5- Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 2TMS, Propenenitrile, 2-(2-
benzothiazole, 5-(p-Aminophenyl)-4-phenyl-2-thi, 2,6-
Dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3TMS, Salicylic acid, 2TMS
derivative, Cyclotetrasiloxane, octamethyl, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-
Octamethyl-7-(2, 2,60 -Dimethoxy-20 -(trimethylsilyl,
(1H)Indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline, and 5,1,3,5,7,9-
Pentaethylcyclopentasi during plastic degradation (Shakir
Ali et al., 2023). In our present study, 3- Dodecen, 1-
Nonadecene, 7- tetradecenal,9-cotadecen was identified by
GC-MS methods in supernatant of Sun light treated PET
MPs and Bacillus subtilis incubated MSM medium after 6-
month incubation. Similar observation were also reported
in the pyrolysis of mixed plastic by GC-MS method
(Odigbo et al.,2023). Similarly, Nonanamide, Hexadecan
amide (Bongekile Vilakati et al.,2021), Dibutyl phthalate
was discovered in MSM-containing sun-treated PETMPs,
which was compatible with the findings of Shahnawaz et
al. (2016). Dibutyl phthalate was identified by GC-MS
from Bacillus cereus biodegradation polythene culture
supernatant. Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) was
detected by GC-MS in the supernatant of UV light treated
PETMPs incubated with Bacillus subtilis in MSM media in
our research. There is a strong association with Udeme
Dickson et al., who used benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-
dimethylethyl), and dodecane as biomarkers to identify
total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in soil (Udeme
Dickson et al.,2020).The research states, fatty acid and
alkanes were discovered to be the breakdown products by
GC-MS analysis after thirty days of incubation in
Moraxella catarrhalis strain BMPPS3 polyurethane (PU)
containing synthetic medium (Maheswaran,et al., 2024).
Additionally, the biodegradation of PET by Gordonia sp.,
CN2K is noted for the metabolites founded in spend
medium compounds, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate
(BHET), mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate and
terephthalate (MHET) (Chandramouli Swamy et al.,2024).
Sustainable solutions that make responsible use of waste
materials are needed to stop environmental degradation and
protect our ecosystem. Only a few numbers of research
have been published so far on the biodegradation of pre-
treated PET microplastics by bacteria. The conclusion
drawn from this study is that PET is used as a carbon
source by the Bacillus subtilis strain.
CONCLUSION
The current investigation demonstrated the degradation of
sun light pre-treated PETMPs, UV-exposed PETMPs, and
non-pretreated MPs by Bacillus subtilis. The biodegraded
products were identified in the supernatant of microplastics
(sun light pre-treated PETMPs, UV-exposed PETMPs) and
bacteria inoculated mediums by GCMS. The methods
developed may help in future to degrade PET
microplastics. We need to analysis by-products toxicity and
asses complete degradation methods of by-products of
PET.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors express sincere thanks to the head of the
Department of Zoology, St. Joseph University,
Chumoukedima, Nagaland for the facilities provided to
carry out this research work.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
The authors declare no conflict of interest
ETHICS APPROVAL
Not applicable
FUNDING
This study received no specific funding from public,
commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies.
www.ijzab.com 106
such as Dodecane, Docosane, Decane, Dodecane, 4,6-
dimethyl, Pentadecane, Tetradecane, Decanedioic acid,
didecyl ester, Undecane, 4,4-dimethyl, Octadecane, 1-
iodotetradecane, Heptadecane, tetracosane and
Pentadecanal. These findings were well supported by the
work of Kyaw et al., (2012), who have reported that 18
different biodegraded products were identified from the
polythene such as benzene, methyl, tetrachloroethylene,
benzene,1,3-dimethyl, octadecane,7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-
oxaspiro(4,5) deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione, hexadecanoic acid,
ethyl ester, eicosane, octadenoic acid,docosane,3-
chloropropionic acid, heptadecyl ester, tricosane,
octadecanoic aid, butyl ester,1-
nonadecene,tetracosane,pentacosane,1,2-
benxendicarboxylic acid, di-iso-ostyl ester, and
hexacosane. Shahnawz et al., also reported the major by
products in the PEDP in the culture supernatant of
L.fusiformis strin VASB14/WL (1,2,3,4 tetra methyl
benzene) and B.cereusstrain VASB1/TS (1,2,3 trimethyl
benzene,1ethyl 3,5-dimethyl benzene, 1,4 di methyl 2 ethyl
benzene, and dibutyl phthalate) (Shahnawaz et al.,
2016).Pramila and Ramesh used A.baumannii for
degradation of polyethylene (LDPE) and with GCMS
analysis recorded 2-butene,2-methyl,acetone,and ethane
(Pramila et al.,2011). Mahalakshmi et al., who have
analysed PEDP in culture supernatant extracted with
distilled ether produced due to the action of Bacillus and
Pseudomonas using GC-MS and reported octadecadienoic
acid, octadecatrienoic acid, benzene dicarboxylic acid, and
cyclopropanebutanoic acids as the main by products
(Mahalakshmi et al.,2012).
According to the GC-MS study, plastic is broken down
into a number of new molecules that lead to a pathway that
produces enough energy to support bacterial growth
(Shakir Ali et al., 2023). Pseudomonas sp. SH5B produces,
Fluoren-9-ol, 3,6-dimethoxy-9-(2,
Tris(tertbutyldimethylsilyloxy), 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic
acid, 3TMS, 7HDibenzo(a,g)carbazole, 3-
Hydroxymandelic acid, 3TMS der, 2,6- Dihydroxybenzoic
acid (Fig. 4), 3TMS, 1,3,5-Benzetriol, 3TMS derivative,
1,3,5,7,9-Pentaethylcyclopentasi, Tetrasiloxane, 1,7- dially
octadecyl, Benzo[h]quinoline, 2,4-dimethyl-, and 2,4-
Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 2TMS. At the same time arsenous
acid, Tris(trimethylsilyl, Tris(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy),
2,5- Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 2TMS, Propenenitrile, 2-(2-
benzothiazole, 5-(p-Aminophenyl)-4-phenyl-2-thi, 2,6-
Dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3TMS, Salicylic acid, 2TMS
derivative, Cyclotetrasiloxane, octamethyl, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-
Octamethyl-7-(2, 2,60 -Dimethoxy-20 -(trimethylsilyl,
(1H)Indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline, and 5,1,3,5,7,9-
Pentaethylcyclopentasi during plastic degradation (Shakir
Ali et al., 2023). In our present study, 3- Dodecen, 1-
Nonadecene, 7- tetradecenal,9-cotadecen was identified by
GC-MS methods in supernatant of Sun light treated PET
MPs and Bacillus subtilis incubated MSM medium after 6-
month incubation. Similar observation were also reported
in the pyrolysis of mixed plastic by GC-MS method
(Odigbo et al.,2023). Similarly, Nonanamide, Hexadecan
amide (Bongekile Vilakati et al.,2021), Dibutyl phthalate
was discovered in MSM-containing sun-treated PETMPs,
which was compatible with the findings of Shahnawaz et
al. (2016). Dibutyl phthalate was identified by GC-MS
from Bacillus cereus biodegradation polythene culture
supernatant. Benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) was
detected by GC-MS in the supernatant of UV light treated
PETMPs incubated with Bacillus subtilis in MSM media in
our research. There is a strong association with Udeme
Dickson et al., who used benzene, 1,3-bis(1,1-
dimethylethyl), and dodecane as biomarkers to identify
total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in soil (Udeme
Dickson et al.,2020).The research states, fatty acid and
alkanes were discovered to be the breakdown products by
GC-MS analysis after thirty days of incubation in
Moraxella catarrhalis strain BMPPS3 polyurethane (PU)
containing synthetic medium (Maheswaran,et al., 2024).
Additionally, the biodegradation of PET by Gordonia sp.,
CN2K is noted for the metabolites founded in spend
medium compounds, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate
(BHET), mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate and
terephthalate (MHET) (Chandramouli Swamy et al.,2024).
Sustainable solutions that make responsible use of waste
materials are needed to stop environmental degradation and
protect our ecosystem. Only a few numbers of research
have been published so far on the biodegradation of pre-
treated PET microplastics by bacteria. The conclusion
drawn from this study is that PET is used as a carbon
source by the Bacillus subtilis strain.
CONCLUSION
The current investigation demonstrated the degradation of
sun light pre-treated PETMPs, UV-exposed PETMPs, and
non-pretreated MPs by Bacillus subtilis. The biodegraded
products were identified in the supernatant of microplastics
(sun light pre-treated PETMPs, UV-exposed PETMPs) and
bacteria inoculated mediums by GCMS. The methods
developed may help in future to degrade PET
microplastics. We need to analysis by-products toxicity and
asses complete degradation methods of by-products of
PET.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors express sincere thanks to the head of the
Department of Zoology, St. Joseph University,
Chumoukedima, Nagaland for the facilities provided to
carry out this research work.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
The authors declare no conflict of interest
ETHICS APPROVAL
Not applicable
FUNDING
This study received no specific funding from public,
commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies.
Tosheinla Pongen et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 97-108, 2025
www.ijzab.com 107
AI TOOL DECLARATION
The authors declares that no AI and related tools are used to
write the scientific content of this manuscript.
DATA AVAILABILITY
Data will be available on request
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Biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate
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Azizi, A., Fairus, S., & Sari, D. A. P. (2023). Isolation and
characterization of polyethylene and polyethylene
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Umameshwari, S., & Murali, M. (2013). FTIR
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poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polystyrene foam. Elixir
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investigation on biofilm formation and biodegradation
activities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain ISJ14
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Heliyon, 6, e04398.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04398.
Kyaw, B. M., Champakalakshmi, R., Lim, C. S., Sakharkar,
M. K., & Sakharkar, K. R. (2012). Biodegradation of
low-density polyethylene (LDPE) by Pseudomonas
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Shahnawaz, M., Sangale, M. K., & Ade, A. B. (2016).
Bacteria-based polythene degradation products: GC-MS
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https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6246-8.
Pramila, R., & Ramesh, K. (2011). Biodegradation of low
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https://doi.org/10.5897/AJMR11.670.
Mahalakshmi, V., Siddiq, A., & Andrew, S. N. (2012).
Analysis of polyethylene degrading potentials of
microorganisms isolated from compost soil. International
www.ijzab.com 107
AI TOOL DECLARATION
The authors declares that no AI and related tools are used to
write the scientific content of this manuscript.
DATA AVAILABILITY
Data will be available on request
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