Determination of Manganese Peroxidase Enzymatic Activity in Microorganisms Present in the Soil of the Páramo of El Ángel Ecological Reserve to Evaluate Their Potential as Polyethylene Biodegraders (Phase 2)

This project addresses the growing problem of plastic pollution, particularly polyethylene (PE), by exploring biotechnological solutions based on the capacity of native microorganisms to degrade these contaminants. The primary goal is to evaluate the biodegrading potential of microorganisms (bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi) collected from páramo soils in the El Ángel Ecological Reserve, Ecuador, across an altitudinal gradient (3600 to 4200 m). The methodology involves isolating microorganisms using selective culture media (TSA and Sabouraud Agar) and subsequently quantifying manganese peroxidase enzyme activity using the Glenn and Gold (1983) method. This enzyme is crucial for altering the physicochemical properties of polymers. Finally, the biodegradation potential of low-density polyethylene beads will be assessed by incubating them with the selected microbial consortia for approximately two months. The study aims to identify natural sources of efficient enzymes for plastic waste treatment.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To determine the enzymatic activity of manganese peroxidase in microorganisms isolated from páramo soils at different altitudes to evaluate their potential as plastic biodegrading agents, specifically for polyethylene.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources