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Biodegradation of polythene and plastics by a termite Odontotermes obesus (Rambur)

Neelima Singha, N.K. Mahtob, M. Prasadb & An j ani Kr. Shrivastavaa*
aDepartment of Botany, Ranchi University, Ranchi-834008 (India)
bDepartment of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi-834008 (India)

Received 15th May 2008 ; Revised 26th August, 2008

Abstract : Heaves of dumped garbages in different areas of district Ranchi, State of Jharkhand contains huge amount of  polythene and plastics. These plastics and polythene were invariably found associated with the Termite Odontotermes Obesus (Rambur) The termite had been isolated from garbage heaves caused in-vitro degradation of polythene bags and plastic cups. The degradation value studied after 2, 4, 6 and 8 months of time intervals revealed (upto 2.25% in 8 months) for polythene and (0.15% in 8 months) for plastics. Their initial studies also indicated that the microbes from termite gut are responsible for biodegradation of polythene and plastics.

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