The Department of Biology at the College of Science – University of Mosul discussed, on Tuesday 5 May 2026, the doctoral dissertation entitled:

“Isolation of Plastic Degrading Bacterial Strains from Mosul Environment – Iraq”

submitted by the PhD student Zahraa Tariq Abdul Hamid from the Microbiology branch, in the presence of the Dean of the College of Science, Professor Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim (respected), the assistant deans for scientific and administrative affairs, the Head of the Department of Biology, and a number of academic staff.

The dissertation investigated and characterized (23) Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates capable of degrading plastic, including species isolated for the first time from polluted areas in Nineveh Governorate, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques.

The study also evaluated the biodegradation efficiency of two types of polymers: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), represented by water bottles, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), represented by shopping bags. A range of analytical techniques was employed, including FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, and EDS, in addition to toxicity tests of degradation by-products on cress seeds, assessment of bioactive compound production, and screening for nano-plastic formation.

The study aimed to address the problem of plastic waste accumulation through the use of plastic-degrading bacteria isolated from landfill sites. These bacteria possess the ability to secrete oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes that break down plastics, enabling the degradation products to be used as a carbon source in metabolic processes. This aligns with sustainable development goals in finding safe, effective, and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

The examination committee was chaired by Professor Dr. Basma Ahmed Abdullah, with the membership of Professor Dr. Ryan Mazen Faisal, Assistant Professor Dr. Shaker Ghazi Jirjis, Assistant Professor Dr. Arqam Mohammed Azhar, and Assistant Professor Dr. Talal Subhan Saleh, with supervision and membership of Professor Dr. Israa Ghanem Hazem.

At the conclusion of the defense, and on behalf of the Dean of the College of Science, Professor Dr. Hiyam Adel Ibrahim (respected), the Head of the Department presented a letter of appreciation to Professor Dr. Basma Ahmed Abdullah from Al-Qabas University College in recognition of her valuable scientific contributions to the committee.

We wish continued success and progress to our students and academic staff.

Media and Government Communication Division
Tuesday, 5 May 2026