Indigenous plastic-degrading species of

Plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems poses a significant threat to aquatic life and biodiversity, directly undermining Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water. This plastic pollution also occurs downstream of the Wonorejo Mangrove, whose function is expanded as a tourist destination. This study aims to identify indigenous bacterial species from the plastic waste plastisphere in the Wonorejo Mangrove, East Java, Indonesia, with the capability to degrade plastic. Plastic degradation potential was screened by assessing the formation of clear zones around colonies during growth. The selected colonies were then identified by using the 16S rRNA gene as a marker. The result showed that two isolates formed clear zones around the colonies, which were then identified as members of the genera Massilia and Brevundimonas. However, the ability of these two isolates to degrade plastic was assessed only qualitatively in this research. Further research is needed to quantitatively assess the plastic-degrading capabilities of these isolates. By exploring the potential of these indigenous bacteria to reduce plastic waste, this study supports United Nations global initiatives to achieve SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).