Synergistic effect of UV and chemical treatment on biological degradation of Polystyrene by Cephalosporium strain NCIM 1251

Biodegradation of polystyrene and its mechanisms driven by a customized lignin-degrading microbial consortium and degrading bacteria

Polystyrene (PS), being resistant to biodegradation, poses a significant environmental challenge. This study isolated highly effective lignin-degrading microbial consortia from samples collected at six sites rich in lignin-degrading bacteria. After 360 days of enrichment, a stable lignin-degrading microbial consortium, LQX-03, was successfully established. LQX-03 demonstrated notable degradation efficiency not only for lignin (21-day degradation rate of 54.6 %) but also for PS (21-day degradation rate of 13.1 %). Importantly, PS-induced LQX-03 communities overlapped with the original lignin communities in 13 genera, revealing a close relationship between the degrading microbial compositions of the two substrates.Additionally, Pseudomonas putida Q1, isolated from LQX-03, exhibited significant capability in simultaneously degrading lignin and PS, achieving degradation rates of 36.1 % and 4.4 %, respectively. The strain was also able to alter the functional groups of PS, increasing its hydrophilicity. Gene and enzyme expression analyses revealed that key lignin-degrading enzymes, such as laccase (CopA) and DyP peroxidase, were significantly upregulated when PS was the sole substrate. Laccase CopA expression increased by 1.76-fold and 1.41-fold, while DyP expression increased by 1.24-fold. These results indicate that these enzymes likely play a crucial role in PS depolymerization and biodegradation. Further molecular docking analysis confirmed that laccase CopA could bind to PS. In summary, this study provides preliminary insights into the potential links between lignin-degrading and plastic-degrading microorganisms and their enzymes. It suggests that the biodegradation of synthetic plastics may rely on ancient natural lignin-degrading enzymes. These findings offer a new perspective and valuable data for developing efficient plastic biodegradation strategies.

The effect of low-temperature plasma pretreatment on the biodegradability of polyethylene films

With the increasing focus on environmental friendliness and sustainable development, extensive research has been conducted on the biodegradation of plastics. The non-hydrolyzable, highly hydrophobic, and high-molecular-weight properties of polyethylene (PE) pose challenges for cell interaction and biodegradation of PE substrates. To overcome these obstacles, PE films were treated with low-temperature plasma before biodegradation. The morphology, surface chemistry, molecular weight, and weight loss of PE films after plasma treatment and biodegradation were studied. The plasma treatment decreased the surface water contact angle, formed C-O and C = O groups, and decreased the molecular weight of PE films. With the increased pretreatment time, the biodegradation efficiency rose to 2.6% from 0.63% after 20 days of incubation. The mechanism was proposed that the surface oxygen-containing groups formed by plasma treatment can facilitate the bio-accessibility and be further decomposed and utilised by the microbes. This study provided an effective and rapid pretreatment strategy for improving biodegradation of PE.

Microplastics can alter structural configurations of human non-canonical G-quadruplex DNA

Microplastics (MP) with a diameter of less than 150 μm can enter the lymph and bloodstream systems, induce cellular toxicity and damage DNA. G-quadruplexes (GQs) are tetraplex DNA secondary structures found in the human genomes that play important roles in replication, transcription and genomic integrity. Comprehending the biological and molecular processes underlying the activities of MPs could aid in estimating potential hazards to humans. In this investigation, polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) have been selected because these two MPs are environmentally most prevalent and they are of different sizes. Several biophysical strategies were employed to identify that PS-MPs are the most potent MPs that bind to CMYC GQ DNA (present in the promoter of CMYC gene, important for cellular growth and proliferation) and may alter their structure. This study helps to understand the potential threat MPs possesses by interacting with key DNA structures.

The biochemical mechanisms of plastic biodegradation

Since the invention of the first synthetic plastic, an estimated 12 billion metric tons of plastics have been manufactured, 70% of which was produced in the last 20 years. Plastic waste is placing new selective pressures on humans and the organisms we depend on, yet it also places new pressures on microorganisms as they compete to exploit this new and growing source of carbon. The limited efficacy of traditional recycling methods on plastic waste, which can leach into the environment at low purity and concentration, indicates the utility of this evolving metabolic activity. This review will categorize and discuss the probable metabolic routes for each industrially relevant plastic, rank the most effective biodegraders for each plastic by harmonizing and reinterpreting prior literature, and explain the experimental techniques most often used in plastic biodegradation research, thus providing a comprehensive resource for researchers investigating and engineering plastic biodegradation.

Integrating genomics, molecular docking, and protein expression to explore new perspectives on polystyrene biodegradation

Faced with the escalating challenge of global plastic pollution, this study specifically addresses the research gap in the biodegradation of polystyrene (PS). A PS-degrading bacterial strain was isolated from the gut of Tenebrio molitor, and genomics, molecular docking, and proteomics were employed to thoroughly investigate the biodegradation mechanisms of Pseudomonas putida H-01 against PS. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and contact angle analysis, significant morphological and structural changes in the PS films under the influence of the H-01 strain were observed. The study revealed several potential degradation genes and ten enzymes that were specifically upregulated in the PS degradation environment. Additionally, a novel protein with laccase-like activity, LacQ1, was purified from this strain for the first time, and its crucial role in the PS degradation process was confirmed. Through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the interactions between the enzymes and PS were detailed, elucidating the binding and catalytic mechanisms of the degradative enzymes with the substrate. These findings have deepened our understanding of PS degradation.

Understanding microplastic pollution: Tracing the footprints and eco-friendly solutions

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health. These are plastic particles measuring <5 mm and are categorized as primary and secondary based on their origin. Primary MPs are used in various products like cosmetics, scrubs, body wash, and toothpaste, while secondary MPs are generated through the degradation of plastic products. These have been detected in seas, rivers, snow, indoor air, and seafood, posing potential risks to human health through the food chain. Detecting and quantifying MPs are essential to understand their distribution and abundance in the environment. Various microscopic (fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy) and spectroscopy techniques (FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) have been reported to analyse MPs. Despite the challenges in scalable removal methods, biological systems have emerged as promising options for eco-friendly MPs remediation. Algae, bacteria, and fungi have shown the potential to adsorb and degrade MPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) offering hope for mitigating this global crisis. This review examines the sources, impacts, detection, and biological removal of MPs, highlighting future directions in this crucial field of environmental conservation. By fostering global collaboration and innovative research a path towards a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations can be promised.

Mechanistic understanding on the uptake of micro-nano plastics by plants and its phytoremediation

Contaminated soil is one of today's most difficult environmental issues, posing serious hazards to human health and the environment. Contaminants, particularly micro-nano plastics, have become more prevalent around the world, eventually ending up in the soil. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the interactions of micro-nano plastics in plants and agroecosystems. However, viable remediation of micro-nano plastics in soil remains limited. In this review, a powerful in situ soil remediation technology known as phytoremediation is emphasized for addressing micro-nano-plastic contamination in soil and plants. It is based on the synergistic effects of plants and the microorganisms that live in their rhizosphere. As a result, the purpose of this review is to investigate the mechanism of micro-nano plastic (MNP) uptake by plants as well as the limitations of existing MNP removal methods. Different phytoremediation options for removing micro-nano plastics from soil are also described. Phytoremediation improvements (endophytic-bacteria, hyperaccumulator species, omics investigations, and CRISPR-Cas9) have been proposed to enhance MNP degradation in agroecosystems. Finally, the limitations and future prospects of phytoremediation strategies have been highlighted in order to provide a better understanding for effective MNP decontamination from soil.

Phylloplane fungus Curvularia dactyloctenicola VJP08 effectively degrades commercially available PS product

Polystyrene (PS), a widely produced plastic with an extended carbon (C-C) backbone that resists microbial attack, is produced in enormous quantities throughout the World. Naturally occurring plasticizers such as plant cuticle and lignocelluloses share similar properties to synthetic plastics such as hydrophobicity, structural complexity, and higher recalcitrance to degradation. In due course of time, phytopathogenic fungi have evolved strategies to overcome these limitations and utilize lignocellulosic waste for their nutrition. The present investigation focuses on the utilization of phylloplane fungus, Curvularia dactyloctenicola VJP08 towards its ability to colonize and degrade commercially available PS lids. The fungus was observed to densely grow onto PS samples over an incubation period of 30 days. The morphological changes showcased extensive fungal growth with mycelial imbrication invading the PS surface for carbon extraction leading to the appearance of cracks and holes in the PS surface. It was further confirmed by EDS analysis which indicated that carbon was extracted from PS for the fungal growth. Further, 3.57% decrease in the weight, 8.8% decrease in the thickness and 2 °C decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) confirmed alterations in the structural integrity of PS samples by the fungal action. GC-MS/MS analysis of the treated PS samples also showed significant decrease in the concentration of benzene and associated aromatic derivatives confirming the degradation of PS samples and subsequent utilization of generated by-products by the fungus for growth. Overall, the present study confirmed the degradation and utilization of commercially available PS samples by phylloplane fungus C. dactyloctenicola VJP08. These findings establish a clear cross-assessment of the phylloplane fungi for their prospective use in the development of degradation strategies of synthetic plastics.

Coagulation studies on photodegraded and photocatalytically degraded polystyrene microplastics using polyaluminium chloride

Microplastics are ubiquitous persistent emerging contaminants, and its presence has been detected even in the most pristine and fragile ecosystems. Advanced oxidation processes are one of the novel degradation technologies used for the elimination of microplastics from the environment. In this study, the effect of ultraviolet C (UV-C, 253.7 nm) and ultraviolet A (UV-A, 365 nm) irradiations on polystyrene (PS) microplastic properties in the presence and absence of titanium dioxide were studied along with their coagulation performances using polyaluminium chloride (PAC). The effects of solar irradiation on the chemical properties of microplastics in aqueous and dry conditions were also investigated. PS microplastics (1.5 g) in three size ranges, 300-150 μm, 150-75 μm, and <75 μm were used during this experiment. After 45 days of irradiation, samples showed discolouration, brittleness, and loss of hydrophobicity. Images obtained from scanning electron microscope revealed smoothening and melting of PS surfaces upon UV exposure. Attenuated total reflectance- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photon spectroscopy of photoaged samples revealed chemical alterations, bond cleavage and formation of oxygenated functional groups on microplastic surfaces. PAC coagulation of samples before and after UV irradiation showed drastic differences in removal efficiencies, with UV-C irradiated microplastics exhibiting maximum efficiency. Large sized and photocatalytically degraded microplastics showed better removal efficiencies than small sized particles. The 300-150 μm sized PS microplastic, degraded photo catalytically under UV-C irradiation showed approximately 99 % removal efficiency, while PS < 75 μm photodegraded under UV-A irradiation showed only 74.2 % removal efficiency.

Insights into the mechanisms involved in the fungal degradation of plastics

Fungi are considered among the most efficient microbial degraders of plastics, as they produce salient enzymes and can survive on recalcitrant compounds with limited nutrients. In recent years, studies have reported numerous species of fungi that can degrade different types of plastics, yet there remain many gaps in our understanding of the processes involved in biodegradation. In addition, many unknowns need to be resolved regarding the fungal enzymes responsible for plastic fragmentation and the regulatory mechanisms which fungi use to hydrolyse, assimilate and mineralize synthetic plastics. This review aims to detail the main methods used in plastic hydrolysis by fungi, key enzymatic and molecular mechanisms, chemical agents that enhance the enzymatic breakdown of plastics, and viable industrial applications. Considering that polymers such as lignin, bioplastics, phenolics, and other petroleum-based compounds exhibit closely related characteristics in terms of hydrophobicity and structure, and are degraded by similar fungal enzymes as plastics, we have reasoned that genes that have been reported to regulate the biodegradation of these compounds or their homologs could equally be involved in the regulation of plastic degrading enzymes in fungi. Thus, this review highlights and provides insight into some of the most likely regulatory mechanisms by which fungi degrade plastics, target enzymes, genes, and transcription factors involved in the process, as well as key limitations to industrial upscaling of plastic biodegradation and biological approaches that can be employed to overcome these challenges.

How to Make Plastic Surfaces Simultaneously Hydrophilic/Oleophobic?

Hydrophilic/oleophobic surfaces are desirable in many applications including self-cleaning, antifogging, oil-water separation, etc. However, making plastic surfaces hydrophilic/oleophobic is challenging due to the intrinsic hydrophobicity/oleophilicity of plastics. Here, we report a simple and effective method of making plastics hydrophilic/oleophobic. Plastics, including poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), and polycarbonate (PC), have been coated with a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) (i.e., commercially known as Zdol) via dip coating and then irradiated with UV/Ozone. The contact angle measurements indicate that the treated plastics have a lower water contact angle (WCA) and higher hexadecane contact angle (HCA), i.e., they are simultaneously hydrophilic/oleophobic. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results suggest that UV/Ozone treatment introduces oxygen-containing polar groups on the plastic surfaces, which renders the plastic surfaces hydrophilic. Meanwhile, more orderly packed PFPE Zdol molecules, which is due to the UV-induced bonding between PFPE Zdol and the plastic surface, result in the oleophobicity. Moreover, the simultaneous hydrophilicity/oleophobicity of functionalized plastics does not degrade in aging tests, and they have superior antifogging performance and detergent-free cleaning capability. This simple method developed here potentially can be applied to other plastics and has important implications in the functionalization of plastic surfaces.

Evaluation of the Deterioration of Untreated Commercial Polystyrene by Psychrotrophic Antarctic Bacterium

Polystyrene (PS) and microplastic production pose persistent threats to the ecosystem. Even the pristine Antarctic, which is widely believed to be pollution-free, was also affected by the presence of microplastics. Therefore, it is important to comprehend the extent to which biological agents such as bacteria utilise PS microplastics as a carbon source. In this study, four soil bacteria from Greenwich Island, Antarctica, were isolated. A preliminary screening of the isolates for PS microplastics utilisation in the Bushnell Haas broth was conducted with the shake-flask method. The isolate AYDL1 identified as Brevundimonas sp. was found to be the most efficient in utilising PS microplastics. An assay on PS microplastics utilisation showed that the strain AYDL1 tolerated PS microplastics well under prolonged exposure with a weight loss percentage of 19.3% after the first interval (10 days of incubation). Infrared spectroscopy showed that the bacteria altered the chemical structure of PS while a deformation of the surface morphology of PS microplastics was observed via scanning electron microscopy after being incubated for 40 days. The obtained results may essentially indicate the utilisation of liable polymer additives or "leachates" and thus, validate the mechanistic approach for a typical initiation process of PS microplastics biodeterioration by the bacteria (AYDL1)-the biotic process.

Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in table salts: Turkey

In this study, the characterization of microplastics of table salts (n = 36) was determined by FT - IR. Then, individuals' exposure to microplastics from table salt consumption was calculated with a deterministic model, and finally, a risk assessment of table salt was performed using the polymer risk index. On average, 44 ± 26, 38 ± 40, 28 ± 9, and 39 ± 30 microplastics/kg were detected in rock salts (n = 16), lake salts (n = 12), sea salts (n = 8), and all salts (n = 36). Microplastics with 10 different polymer types (CPE, VC-ANc, HDPE, PET, Nylon-6, PVAc, EVA, PP, PS, Polyester), 7 different colors (black, red, colorless, blue, green, brown, white, gray), and 3 different shapes (fiber, granulated, film) were found in table salts. The daily, annual and lifetime (70-year) exposures to microplastics from table salt consumption in 15+-year-old individuals (general) were calculated to be 0.41 microplastic particles/day, 150 microplastic particles/year and 10,424 microplastic particles/70-year, respectively. The average microplastic polymer risk index of all table salts was calculated as 182 ± 144 and the risk level is in the medium. In order to minimize microplastic contamination in table salts, protective measures should be taken at the source of the salt, and production processes should be improved.

Microbial engineering strategies for synthetic microplastics clean up: A review on recent approaches

Microplastics are the small fragments of the plastic molecules which find their applications in various routine products such as beauty products. Later, it was realized that it has several toxic effects on marine and terrestrial organisms. This review is an approach in understanding the microplastics, their origin, dispersal in the aquatic system, their biodegradation and factors affecting biodegradation. In addition, the paper discusses the major engineering approaches applied in microbial biotechnology. Specifically, it reviews microbial genetic engineering, such as PET-ase engineering, MHET-ase engineering, and immobilization approaches. Moreover, the major challenges associated with the plastic removal are presented by evaluating the recent reports available.

Microplastics and their interactions with microbiota

As a new pollutant, Microplastics (MPs) are globally known for their negative impacts on different ecosystems and living organisms. MPs are easily taken up by the ecosystem in a variety of organisms due to their small size, and cause immunological, neurological, and respiratory diseases in the impacted organism. Moreover, in the impacted environments, MPs can release toxic additives and act as a vector and scaffold for colonization and transportation of specific microbes and lead to imbalances in microbiota and the biogeochemical and nutrients dynamic. To address the concerns on controlling the MPs pollution on the microbiota and ecosystem, the microbial biodegradation of MPs can be potentially considered as an effective environment friendly approach. The objectives of the presented paper are to provide information on the toxicological effects of MPs on microbiota, to discuss the negative impacts of microbial colonization of MPs, and to introduce the microbes with biodegradation ability of MPs.

Influence of ultraviolet and chemical treatment on the biodegradation of low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene by Cephalosporium strain

In the present work, the potential of Cephalosporium strain in degrading the pre-treated (ultraviolet irradiation followed by nitric acid treatment) low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene films was investigated. Our observations revealed a significant weight reduction of 24.53 ± 0.73% and 18.22 ± 0.31% in pre-treated low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene films respectively, after 56 days of incubation with the Cephalosporium strain. Changes in the physicochemical properties of the mineral salt medium (MSM) were studied to assess the extent of biodegradation. The pH of the MSM decreased gradually during the incubation period, whereas its total dissolved solids and conductivity values increased steadily. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the formation of hydroxyl and C = C groups in biodegraded low-density polyethylene films, while in the case of biodegraded high-density polyethylene films it indicated the [Formula: see text]CH₂ stretching. Furthermore, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed an enhancement in the thermal stabilities of both the LDPE and HDPE films post the biodegradation. Modifications in the polymer surface morphologies after UV irradiation, chemical treatment, and biodegradation steps were visualized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. All our observations confirm the ability of the Cephalosporium strain in biodegrading the pre-treated LDPE and HDPE films.

Unveiling the potential of Lichtheimia ramosa AJP11 for myco-transformation of polystyrene sulfonate and its driving molecular mechanism

Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern due to its deleterious effects on various ecosystems. The limitations and shortcomings of waste management strategies has led to the over-accumulation of plastic waste, mainly comprised of single-use plastics, such as polystyrene (PS). Considering the advantages of biotransformation over the other plastic disposal methods, it has become a major focus of the modern research. Biotransformation of plastics involves its microbial hydrolysis into short chain oligomers and monomers that are eventually assimilated as carbon source by the microbes leading to the release of CO₂. As fungi are known to possess multifarious and highly regulated enzyme system capable of utilizing diverse nutrient sources, the present study explored the potential of Lichtheimia ramosa AJP11 towards myco-transformation of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), a structural analogue of polystyrene (PS). During the 30-day incubation period of L. ramosa AJP11 in minimal salt medium (MSM)+1% PSS, the fungus showed 41.6% increment in its fresh weight biomass, indicating the utilization of PSS as sole carbon source. Further analysis revealed the generation of various reaction intermediates such as alkanes and fatty acids, crucial for the continuum of fungal metabolic pathways. Moreover, detection of PS oligomers such as cyclohexane and 2,4-DTBP confirmed the myco-transformation of PSS. The extracellular fungal protein profile showed considerable overexpression of a 14.4 kDa protein, characterized to be a hydrophobic surface binding (Hsb) protein, which is hypothesized to adsorb onto the PSS to facilitate its transformation. Further, in silico analysis of Hsb protein indicated it to be an amphiphilic α-helical protein with ability to bind styrene sulfonate unit via both hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions, with a binding energy of -5.02 kcal mol^-1. These findings open new avenues for over expression of Hsb under controlled reactor conditions to accelerate the PS waste disposal.

Oxidative degradation of pre-oxidated polystyrene plastics by dye decolorizing peroxidases from Thermomonospora curvata and Nostocaceae

Biodegradation of PS has attracted lots of public attentions due to its environmental friendliness. However, no specific PS degrading enzyme has been identified yet. Dye decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) are heme-containing peroxidases named for the ability to degrade a variety of organic dyes. Herein, the abilities of two DyPs from Thermomonospora curvata (TcDyP) and Nostocaceae (AnaPX) to degrade PS were evaluated. Preoxidation methods by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and chemical oxidants were developed to initially activate C-C bonds in the PS skeleton. DyPs degradation caused obvious etching and enhanced hydrophilicity of UV-PS films, and also generated new CO and C-OH groups. The cleavage of activated C-C bonds by DyPs was experimentally proven by analyzing the degradation products of UV-PS and model substrates. Furthermore, better pre-oxidation was obtained by using chemical oxidants KMnO₄/H₂SO₄ and ^mCPBA to oxidize PS materials in dissolved state. And AnaPX exhibited stronger degradation effects on KMnO₄/H₂SO₄-PS and ^mCPBA-PS by causing greater changes in functional groups CO, C-O, -OH groups and substituted benzenes and higher molecular weight reductions of 19.7% and 31.0%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the identification of PS-degrading enzymes that provides experimental evidence.

Influence of nitric acid on biodegradation of polystyrene and low-density polyethylene by Cephalosporium species

Petroleum-based polymers are not susceptible to microorganisms because of its high molecular weight. Acid treatments convert the polymers into a more oxidized form having low molecular weight. The present in-vitro degradation study focuses on the potential of Cephalosporium species to degrade acid-treated polystyrene (PS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films. A weight loss of around 12% and 13% was achieved for PS and LDPE films respectively in eight weeks of treatment with Cephalosporium species. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the formation of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in nitric acid treated PS and LDPE films, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy indicated modifications in the surface morphology of PS and LDPE films after chemical and microbial treatment. An increase in crystallinity of pre-treated polymer samples was observed after fungal treatment. The observations of present study confirmed the enzymatic deterioration and assimilation of pre-treated PS and LDPE samples by the microbial species.

Biodegradation of polyethylene and polystyrene: From microbial deterioration to enzyme discovery

The global production of plastics has continuously been soaring over the last decades due to their extensive use in our daily life and in industries. Although synthetic plastics offer great advantages from packaging to construction and electronics, their low biodegradability induce serious plastic pollution that damage the environment, human health and make irreversible changes in the ecological cycle. In particular, plastics containing only carbon-carbon (C-C) backbone are less susceptible to degradation due to the lack of hydrolysable groups. The representative polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) account for about 40% of the total plastic production. Various chemical and biological processes with great potential have been developed for plastic recycle and reuse, but biodegradation seems to be the most attractive and eco-friendly method to combat this growing environmental problem. In this review, we first summarize the current advances in PE and PS biodegradation, including isolation of microbes and potential degrading enzymes from different sources. Next, the state-of-the-art techniques used for evaluating and monitoring PE and PS degradation, the scientific toolboxes for enzyme discovery as well as the challenges and strategies for plastic biodegradation are intensively discussed. In return, it inspires a further technological exploration in expanding the diversity of species and enzymes, disclosing the essential pathways and developing new approaches to utilize plastic waste as feedstock for recycling and upcycling.

Synergistic effect of UV, thermal, and chemical treatment on biological degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) by Thermomyces lanuginosus

The present analysis deals with the ability of Thermomyces lanuginosus to degrade pre-treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The synergistic effect of UV irradiation, heat, and acid pre-treatments on the biodegradability of the polymer was thoroughly assessed. Oxidative structural modifications such as the appearance of carboxylate and carbonyl groups in LDPE chains were recorded post the UV and heat treatments. Furthermore, the nitric acid treatment incorporated NO₂ groups into the polymer matrix. Alterations in the polymer thermal stabilities and surface morphologies after each pre-treatment were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The gravimetric analysis revealed a reduction in the weight of the pre-treated LDPE films by 9.21 ± 0.84% after 1 month of the incubation period with Thermomyces lanuginosus. An increase in the thermal stability, disappearance of the incorporated hydrophilic functional groups, and reduction in the carbon content of the polymer samples post the incubation period further justified the biodegradation process. SEM analysis showed modifications in the morphology and texture patterns in pre-treated LDPE after inoculation with Thermomyces lanuginosus. The findings suggest that Thermomyces lanuginosus could be efficient for the decomposition of pre-treated LDPE under laboratory conditions.