Figure 5.

SEM images showing the interaction between bacteria from a Pomorie Salterns (PS) community and plastics after two weeks of co-incubation [74]. (a) Surface relief of a PCL sample incubated in the absence of bacteria; (b,c) Polycaprolactone (PCL) co-incubated with PS community. At lower magnification (b), a deep groove in the plastic (asterisk) is visible filled with filamentous material formed as a result of partial degradation of the plastic. Adherent bacteria are present on the comparatively unaltered part of the surface (arrows). (c) higher magnification shows biofilm bacteria inside the groove on the plastic (arrows). (d) Surface relief of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sample incubated in the absence of bacteria; (e) PVA co-incubated with PS community. The structure of the polymer is loosened, and bacteria adherent to polymer filaments are observed (arrows).