Evaluating the efficacy of isolated bacterial strain on the biodegradation of polystyrene (thermocol)

Polystyrene (thermocol) is a widely used plastic in many aspects of human life and in industries due to various useful characteristics, however, it is very stable and extremely hard to degrade in the environment after disposal causing evolution of secondary pollutants. Biodegradation could be a sustainable approach in managing the disposal of these wastes wherein microorganisms through their enzymatic activity could degrade polystyrene. With this view, a study was designed during 2021 at Karunya Institute of Technology and Science to evaluate the potential of bacteria harbouring in polystyrene waste dumped. Our present investigation reveals the studies on biodegradation of polystyrene and has potential to explore and give direction for future studies.