LPDE 4 (week 4)

            This week in S-STEM was all about finding different plastics (figure 1) to see if the various types of Pseudomonas species grow on them. The particular type of plastic I’m responsible for growing my bacteria (Pseudomonas Fluorescens) is labeled “LPDE 4.” “LPDE” stands for low-density Polyethylene. Due to its properties (soft, flexible, waxy surface), LPDE 4 is usually found in garbage bags, refuse bags, and sometimes water bottles. After the bottle identification process, my next job is to shred the plastics (disinfecting prior and post shredding). There are also two major plastics we are looking into as well. “PVC” 3 (Plasticized Polyvinyl) and “PP” 5(Polypropylene).

Figure 1