International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Environmental Sciences 15 3 2026 07 22 Biodegradation of LDPE by Bacillus and Pseudomonas and its effects on Soil Phytotoxicity: A Comprehensive Review 25 34 EN Thabah Marshal 1 Department of Environmental Science, Shillong College Meghalaya–793115, India Thabah Hubertwell 2 Department of Environmental Science, Shillong College Meghalaya–793115, India Nongbri Batriti 3 Department of Environmental Science, Shillong College Meghalaya–793115, India Qushakov Sherzod D. 1 Dept. of Power Supply and Renewable Energy Sources, TIIAME-National Research University and Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute Tashkent, Uzbekistan I.O. Agbo 1 Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria N.R. Ekere 2 Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria M.C.J. Ugbor 3 Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria V.E. Agbazue 4 Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Doshi Kruti 1 Shree Swaminarayan Science College, Swaminarayan University, Kalol, Gandhinagar, 382725, India Fadiya Ripal 2 Shree Swaminarayan Science College, Swaminarayan University, Kalol, Gandhinagar, 382725, India Brahmbhatt Dhruvil 3 Shree Swaminarayan Science College, Swaminarayan University, Kalol, Gandhinagar, 382725, India > Review Paper 2026 5 1 2026 07 22 Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely applied in agriculture, for example as mulch films, greenhouse covers, and packaging materials. Owing to its high durability, hydrophobic nature, and resistance to natural degradation, LDPE accumulates in soil ecosystems and causes adverse physicochemical and biological impacts. A growing body of evidence shows that LDPE residues and LDPE-derived microplastics can modify soil structure, adsorb agrochemicals and heavy metals, disturb soil microbial communities, and trigger phytotoxic responses in plants. Microbial biodegradation has therefore attracted attention as an eco-friendly approach to alleviate LDPE-induced soil phytotoxicity. Among soil microorganisms, Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp. are especially important because of their metabolic versatility and ability to colonies plastic surfaces. Bacillus spp. support long-term soil remediation by forming endospores and mediating moderate enzymatic oxidation of LDPE, thereby improving soil resilience, whereas Pseudomonas spp. generally achieves higher LDPE degradation rates through strong biofilm formation and diverse oxidative enzyme systems, resulting in more extensive polymer breakdown and lower phytotoxicity. Copyright@ International Science Community Association