Unlocking nature's power: exploring phytoremediation for the biodegradation of low-density polyethylene through the application of the phytoconstituents of parboiled Curcuma longa L. rhizome.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is reported to be widely used in markets and households, is piling up in landfills, undegraded. Previous researchers reported the polyphenolic degradation of plastics, theoretically. In view of the aforementioned report, the present study investigated the plastic (LDPE) degradation potential of the phytoconstituents of Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) rhizome. Turmeric powder, curcuminoids, curcumin I, curcumin II, and curcumin III were kept in separate pouches made out of LDPE sheets for a period of 80 days. The extent of degradation of the sheets was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The formation of holes on the treated sheets provides first-hand evidence of the potential of the phytochemicals to degrade LDPE. The percentage transmittance (%T) intensity (FTIR spectra) at the band 2900-2930 cm for the sheets treated with curcumin III is 0.20 ± 0.16, which is directly proportional to the concentration of the LDPE present in the sample. The EDAX reports show a decrease in weight percentage and atomic percentage for carbon and an increase for the same for oxygen, in all the treated samples. The aforementioned test results and the virtual (docking) study results establish that the phytoconstituents of C. longa rhizome have the potential to degrade LDPE. The highest rate of degradation is noticed in curcumin III (70-80 days) followed by curcuminoids and was validated through SEM. Thus, the current study, which is the first of its kind to employ phytophenols for LDPE biodegradation, may provide insights for eco-friendly and cost-effective sustainable plastic waste management.